Development Discourse and Global History

Tracing the origins of development discourse to late colonialism, this book employs Foucault's archaeological and genealogical methods to reveal significant shifts that shaped the modern development industry. It explores the conflicts and adaptations within the discourse, highlighting trends since the 1980s, such as participation, sustainable development, and free markets, which often contradict earlier principles. The text critiques the Eurocentric and authoritarian elements while acknowledging progressive aspects, ultimately linking these discussions to contemporary debates on Sustainable Development Goals and the role of discourse analysis in development studies.