An introduction to the theory and practices of development in the third world, tracing the evolution of development theory over 40 years, and examining why so many of the benefits of development are still not shared by millions. Rapley Critically Traces The Evolution Of Development Theory From Its Strong Statist Orientation In The Early Postwar Period, Through The Neoclassical Phase, To The Present Emerging Consensus On People-centered Development. New To The Third Edition Is A Chapter On Postdevelopment Thought, As Well As Increased Attention To The Challenges Posed By Weak States And By Critical Environmental Issues. The Progress Of Development -- Development Theory In The Postwar Period -- State-led Development In Practice -- The Neoclassical Answer To Failure -- Neoclassical Reform In Practice -- Development Theory In The Wake Of Structural Adjustment -- The End Of The Developmental State -- The End Of Development, Or A New Beginning? -- Conclusion -- Suggested Readings -- Index -- About The Book. John Rapley. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 231-249) And Index. This accessible text provides both an assessment of the current state of development theory and an extensive survey of the impact of evolving policies and practices throughout the developing world. Rapley critically traces the evolution of development theory from its strong statist orientation in the early postwar period, through the neoclassical phase, to the present consensus on people-centered development. New to the third edition is a chapter on'postdevelopment'thought, as well as increased attention to the challenges posed by weak states and by critical environmental issues. Using a wide range of examples, Rapley shows where and how various approaches to development have worked--or failed--confronting the question of why development remains so far out of reach for so many poor countries. In this book, [the author] chart[s] the rise of statist development theory in the early postwar period ... and its failures in practice. [Next, the book] looks at the neoclassical prescription for remedying the third world's underdevelopment; [it next] considers the uneven results the neoclassical recipe produces [and] examines the contemporary development debate, focusing on the rise of the new statist development model - the developmental state - that has won so much admiration among the left. [The book then] discusses the feasibility of this new statism, which appears in doubt. This leads ... to [the consideration of] a new development debate .. and the elements that current research tells us will have to be brought into future development theories.-Introd "This book provides both an assessment of the current state of development theory and an extensive survey of structural adjustment's results throughout the developing world.". "Rapley traces the evolution of development theory from its strong statist orientation in the early postwar period, through the neoclassical phase, to the middle-of-the-road position of the present day, drawing attention to the inadequacy of existing models. Using a wide range of examples, he shows where, how, and why various approaches to development have worked, or failed. He concludes with a look at one of the most disturbing subjects theorists and practitioners alike must tackle: why development appears to be so far out of reach for so many poor countries."--BOOK JACKET. Rapley provides both an assesment of the current state of development theory and an extensive survey of the impact of policies and practices throughout the developing world. He traces the evolution of development theory from its strong statist orientation in the early postwar period, through the neoclassical phase, to the present emerging consensus on people-centered development.
