Ideology of development: the failed ideologies of the last century have come to an end. But a new one has risen to take their place. It is the ideology of Development--and it promises a solution to all the world's ills. But like Communism, Fascism, and the others before it, Developmentalism is a dangerous and deadly failure.

Foreign Policy, July, 2007 by Easterly, William

A dark ideological specter is haunting the world. It is almost as deadly as the tired ideologies of the last century--communism, fascism, and socialism--that failed so miserably. It feeds some of the most dangerous trends of our time, including religious fundamentalism. It is the half-century-old ideology of Developmentalism. And it is thriving.

Like all ideologies, Development promises a comprehensive final answer to all of society's problems, from poverty and illiteracy to violence and despotic rulers. It shares the common ideological characteristic of suggesting there is only one correct answer, and it tolerates little dissent. It deduces this unique answer for everyone from a general theory that purports to apply to everyone, everywhere. There's no need to...

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