About the Book
This sixteenth edition of "Annual Editions: Developing World" provides convenient, inexpensive access to current articles selected from the best of the public press. Organizational features include: an annotated listing of selected World Wide Web sites; an annotated table of contents; a topic guide; a general introduction; brief overviews for each section; a topical index; and an instructor's resource guide with testing materials. "Using Annual Editions in the Classroom" is offered as a practical guide for instructors. "Annual Editions" titles are supported by our student website.
Table of Contents:
UNIT 1. Understanding the Developing World1. More or Less Equal?, The Economist", March 13, 2004The common assumption that the gap between rich and poor countries continues to grow is called into question by new studies that show less economic inequality". Depending on how the data is measured and interpreted, the proportion of those living on less than a dollar a day has fallen more rapidly than critics of globalization admit. These findings seem to argue in favor of globalization but some regions continue to lag behind.2. The Development Challenge, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Foreign Affairs", March/April 2005Although the United States advocates development and is quick to respond to natural disasters like the recent tsunami, U.S. assistance to the developing world is inadequate to the task of assisting poor nations". Without substantially more U.S. aid, poor countries will have difficulty meeting the Millenium Development Goals, U.S. commitment to development will be suspect, and the accompanying increase in tension and instability will pose a greater threat to international security.3. Strengthening Governance: Ranking Countries Would Help, Robert I. Rotberg, The Washington Quarterly", Winter 2004/2005Poorly governed countries are associated with poor economic performance and insecurity. Good governance has become an important component of assessing a country's eligibility for aid and debt relief". Robert Rotberg advocates the development of governance index to rank countries on their performance. Relevant data for this index is available from a variety of sources but requires the establishment of appropriate indicators and a method of ranking.4. Institutions Matter, but Not for Everything, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Finance & Development", June 2003The West has placed increasing emphasis on the importance of institutions to development. Economist Jeffrey Sachs argues that while institutions matter, other factors play a role in generating economic development." Focusing on fighting disease, enhancing agriculture, and building infrastructure in poor countries would have a bigger impact on reducing poverty than institutions and governance.5. Development as Poison, Stephen A. Marglin, Harvard International Review", Spring 2003The West's conception of development emphasizes markets and assumes that following its lead will result in development. In reality, Western culture undermines indigenous culture, especially that of community. The West should realize that the values underlying its culture are not necessarily universal."6. Selling to the Poor, Allen L. Hammond and C.K. Prahalad, Foreign Policy", May/June 2004The world's poor have largely been ignored by consumer-oriented multinational corporations, but poor people represent a huge untapped market". To take advantage of this market, companies wishing to sell their products have to tailor their marketing approach. Marketing to the developing world brings the poor greater choice, incorporates them into the international economy, and brings the benefits of globalization".7. The Challenge of Worldwide Migration, Michael W. Doyle, Journal of International Affairs", Spring 2004International migration is increasing" as people move to take advantage of economic opportunity associated with globalization. The birthrate crisis in the industrialized world is likely to increase this migratory pattern. Migration is also a product of conflict and persecution. To accommodate the interests of both countries of origins and destination, greater international cooperation will be required to resolve inevitable problems".UNIT 2. Political Economy and the Developing World8. International Trade, Arvind Panagariya, Foreign Policy", November/December 2003Controversy over international trade was highlighted by the collapse of the 2003 Cancun WTO talks. Economist Arvind Panagariya examines several assertions about trade and concludes that the common wisdom obscures some inconvenient facts regarding protectionism, agricultural subsidies, and the WTO".9. Trade Secrets, Lori Wallach, Foreign Policy", January/February 2004Interpretations differ regarding the effects of the collapse of the Cancun WTO talks, but Lori Wallach argues that the controversy over the cause of the collapse overshadows the reality that it is no longer business as usual at the WTO". The inability of the powerful countries to dictate the agenda at Cancun signals either a change in the way that the rules governing international trade are formulated or the inevitable collapse of the current system of negotiation.10. Why Prospects for Trade Talks are Not Bright, Aaditya Matto and Arvind Subramanian, Finance & Development", March 2005According to a World Bank economist and an IMF official, the prospects for the successful conclusion of the Doha Round of international trade talks are not promising. Neither industrial nor developing countries seem inclined to make the required concessions to complete the Doha Round". Regional trade blocs may also be undermining agreements concluded under WTO auspices. In the end, participants may be left with merely the illusion of a successful round of negotiations.11. Why Developing Countries Need a Stronger Voice, Cyrus Rustomjee, Finance & Development", September 2004The IMF began efforts to combat poverty and encourage growth in poor countries in 1999. The success of the Fund's policy decisions are dependant on a redesign of the approach to economic stabilization, adequate debt relief, an altering of trade patterns to address poor countries' disadvantages, and an increase in capacity building". To increase program effectiveness, developing countries need more input into the Fund's decisions.12. Why Should Small Developing Countries Engage in the Global Trading System?, Rubens Ricupero, Faizel Ismail, and Sok Siphana, Finance & Development", March 2005Globalization has emphasized the importance of participation in the global trade system. While some larger developing countries have successfully integrated into the system, many smaller developing countries remain concerned about the consequences of engaging in global trade". The former head of UNCTAD, South Africa's WTO delegate, and Cambodia's Secretary of State for Commerce discuss the advantages for smaller countries and offer suggestions for successful integration of small developing countries.13. Without Consent: Global Capital Mobility and Democracy, Jeff Faux, Dissent", Winter 2004Writing the rules to govern the global trading system pits the interests of the world's elite against those of the poor". Neoliberalism, advocated by the wealthy countries and exemplified in NAFTA, has produced less than satisfactory results from the standpoint of developing countries. Efforts must be made to bring together those who advocate social justice and strengthen their negotiating position to advocate more effectively for the interests of the poor".14. Making the WTO More Supportive of Development, Bernard Hoekman, Finance & Development", March 2005Developing countries may benefit from special and differential treatment currently allowed under WTO rules. For these arrangements to work, the WTO should support agreements to remove barriers to products from poor countries, lower domestic barriers to spur price reductions and consumption, and support the establishment of regulations and institutions to support development". Greater flexibility to deal with problems on a country-by-country basis would enhance the WTO's contribution to development.15. How to Run the International Monetary Fund, Jeffrey D. Sachs, Foreign Policy", July/August 2004Economist Jeffrey Sachs calls upon new IMF Managing Director Rodrigo Rato to restore the credibility and legitimacy of the organization". Sachs notes the dominance of the rich countries and says that the organization's policies reflect the priorities and interests of those countries. He calls upon the IMF to encourage rich countries to increase aid and reduce debt. The U.S. must also improve its fiscal situation to avoid threats to the global economy.16. A Regime Changes, The Economist", June 4, 2005The selection of Paul Wolfowitz as the new head of the World Bank was controversial" His knowledge of finance and development is limited and he is closely associated with the push for regime change in Iraq. His views will have an impact at the Bank" as it becomes more deeply involved in promoting good governance, increasing capacity building, and other political issues.17. Ranking the Rich 2004, Foreign Policy", May/June 2004The second annual Commitment to Development Index ranks rich countries according to how their policies help or hinder development". There have been revisions to the index and as a result there are significant changes in the rankings. The data clearly shows that rich countries could make substantially greater contributions to development.18. Calculating the Benefits of Debt Relief, Rina Bhattacharya and Benedict Clements, Finance & Development", December 2004Advocates of debt relief say that it would help low income countries boost their economic growth. Research by IMF officials shows that high-debt levels do tend to depress economic growth and reductions in external debt can have a positive impact on income growth and spur public investment". Greater allocation of debt relief toward public investment would strengthen the connection between debt relief and growth.19. Recasting the Case for Aid, The Economist", January 22, 2005A recent UN report challenges traditional views regarding the effectiveness of aid and argues for large new infusions to meet the Millennium Development Goals". The report contends that contrary to popular misconception aid does work. Problems with aid can be traced to poor design and a lack of effective governance. Identifying both well governed as well as those that can potentially be well governed, and targeting aid will help achieve the millennium goals and promote good governance.20. Microfinance and the Poor, Elizabeth Littlefield and Richard Rosenberg, Finance & Development", June 2004Small loans to the poor have proven to be an effective strategy in fostering income stability and growth, encouraging school attendance, and improving health and nutrition". The demand for these financial services has increased and they could be expanded further by incorporating microfinance into mainstream financial infrastructure through cooperation with commercial lending institutions.21. The Real Digital Divide, The Economist", March 12, 2005The "digital divide" separating rich and poor countries has generated debate about how to bridge this gap and provide the poor with greater access to information technology. Instead of concentrating on computers and the internet, mobile phones may be the key to reducing the digital gap". Evidence shows that mobile phones can boost economic growth by reducing transaction costs, and broadening trade networks.UNIT 3. Conflict and Instability22. The Market for Civil War, Paul Collier, Foreign Policy", May/June 2003Civil conflict is often associated with ethnic diversity, but a new study suggests that the roots of this conflict lie in poverty and the struggle for control of natural resources." While resource-related conflict may take on ethnic dimensions, the underlying issue is often control of valuable resources. To combat this problem the international community should target the financing of rebels, encourage effective governance, deploy peacekeeping missions, and promote economic reform and growth.23. The End of War?, Gregg Easterbrook, The New Republic", May 30, 2005Contrary to popular perception, the level of conflict in the world has declined over the past fifteen years". This has been accompanied by an increase in the presence of factors that promote peace including economic prosperity, free elections, more stable governments, more peacekeeping institutions, and greater international engagement. There has also been a decline in worldwide military spending due to the end of the Cold War and great power conflict.24. The Failed States Index, Foreign Policy", July/August 2005An index developed by the Fund for Peace and Foreign Policy" magazine lists sixty states that are in danger of failure. Using twelve social political economic and military indicators, the index ranks states according to their vulnerability to violent conflict". Uneven development and state delegitimization are particularly associated with state failure. Although resolving the problem of failed states is difficult, the index is a first step in identifying at-risk states.25. Gaza: Moving Forward by Pulling Back, David Markovsky, Foreign Affairs", May/June 2005Circumstances appear to favor a renewed effort to conclude an agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority". Yasir Arfat's death and the election of Mahmoud Abbas as Palestinian Authority President combined with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's support for removing settlements from Gaza and parts of the West Bank offer the opportunity for the U.S., the Europeans, and neighboring Arab states to encourange movement toward a comprehensive agreement.26. Africa's Unmended Heart, The Economist", June 11, 2005A 2003 agreement in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has produced a tenuous peace". Sporadic fighting continues in the eastern part of the country but the UN peacekeepers have recently taken a more aggressive approach in dealing with the combatants. Potentially wealthy, due to its vast mineral deposits, the DRC is currently ruled by a coalition government that some suspect continues to plunder the country's wealth.27. Sudan's Darfur: Is it Genocide?, Nelson Kasfir, Current History", May 2005The conflict in Darfur has had devastating consequences for civilians. Echoing a recent UN report, Nelson Kasfir questions whether the fighting can be termed genocide". The shifting nature of ethnic identities in the region, the government's recent peace agreement with rebels in the south, the many other challenges the government faces, its precarious grip on power, and a lack of evidence of clear intent to eliminate black Africans in the region all point to a more complex set of circumstances.28. Blaming the Victim: Refugees and Global Security, Gil Loescher, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists", November/December 2002Conflict inevitably forces people across borders in search of safety. Refugees face harsh conditions in camps where their security is often also at risk." Rather than being perceived as victims, refugees are frequently viewed as security threats by host states. Moreover, host states also see refugees as impediments to peace and economic development and a further source of communal tensions.UNIT 4. Political Change in the Developing World29. National Income and Liberty, Adrian Karatnycky, Journal of Democracy", January 2004The 2003 Freedom House annual survey indicated an increase in freedom worldwide despite terrorism and political volatility". Twenty-five countries registered gains while thirteen showed a decline. The data from the survey confirms that the most prosperous states are freer as a group than poor states but that a number of low-income countries are almost as free as high-income states. Low-income status does not rule out the establishment of strong democracy and respect for civil liberties".30. The Democratic Mosaic, Martin Walker, The Wilson Quarterly", Spring 2004A key component of the Bush Administration's strategy in the war on terrorism includes an effort to promote democracy in the Arab world". Although civil society organizations that are crucial to the development of democracy are present throughout much of the region and there is a growing middle class, the question remains as to whether democracy can be reconciled with Islamic views".31. Keep the Faith, Marina Ottaway, The New Republic", June 6 & 13, 2005Political change is occurring across the Middle East due to socioeconomic transformation, satellite television, the assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri and the death of Yasir Arafat, and the intended and unintended consequences of the Bush Administration's policies. While the Bush administration puts its hopes for democracy in the hands of liberal reformers", they lack a broad constituency".32. Voices within Islam: Four Perspectives on Tolerance and Diversity, Bahman Baktiari and Augustus Richard Norton, Current History", January 2005Four prominent Muslim thinkers discuss some of the most hotly debated issues in the Islamic world" such as Islam's compatibility with democracy, its views on dissent, its and other religions use of violence.33. First Steps: The Afghan Elections, Thomas J. Barfield, Current History", March 2005Afghanistan's October 2004 elections were more successful than anticipated. Participation rates were quite high, the process was judged to be fair, and the widespread violence threatened by Taliban remnants did not occur. Hamid Karzai was elected with about 56 percent of the vote. While the elections showed support for democracy among the population, significant challenges, including a booming opium trade, remain".34. The Syrian Dilemma, David Hirst, The Nation", May 2, 2005The assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and Syria's forced withdrawal from Lebanon has political implications for both countries". Lebanon's politics are in turmoil and this may spill over into Syria. The U.S. hard line against Syria may also contribute to political pressure on Bashar al-Assad's regime.35. Africa's Democratization: A Work in Progress, Jennifer Widner, Current History", May 2005Many African countries have continued to make progress toward greater democracy but success has been uneven". While elections have been held in many countries, incumbents have frequently either manipulated newly established electoral rules, or in the case of Zimbabwe, simply intimidated the opposition. In other cases leaders sought constitutional amendments to allow them to run again.36. The New South Africa, a Decade Later, Antoinette Handley, Current History", May 2004Ten years after South Africa's first all-race elections, the country is well along the road to democratic consolidation. However, formidable challenges remain". The AIDS epidemic is taking a terrible toll and after a baffling initial failure to respond the government has inaugurated a treatment program. The legacy of inequality looms large and despite following an orthodox macroeconomic policy, poverty and unemployement are widespread.37. Latin America's Populist Turn, Michael Shifter and Vinay Jawahar, Current History", February 2005The Left is widely regarded to be increasing its hold on Latin America's politics". With few exceptions, such as Venezuela and Bolivia, the policy implications of this leftist trend are unclear. Many governments continue to follow market strategies while seeking pragmatic approaches to the problems of corruption, poverty, and lagging development. Opinion polls continue to show support for democracy and a market economy, but many object to the demands of the Washington Consensus".UNIT 5. Population, Development, Environment, and Health38. The Global Baby Bust, Phillip Longman, Foreign Affairs", May/June 2004Population growth is widely portrayed as a threat to Western lifestyles and development in the third world. In fact, population growth has declined by more than 40 percent since the 1960s and the effects of this trend are becoming increasingly apparent". The world's population is aging even in the developing world, and providing for an elderly population along with sustaining the incentives for investment and innovation is becoming a larger and larger issue.39. Development in Africa: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly, Carol Lancaster, Current History", May 2005Africa remains the world's poorest region. Although there has been progress in several countries-population growth rates remain higher than elsewhere in the developing world, the region continues to rely on primary production, and the continent's share of world trade has fallen". HIV/AIDS is having a catastrophic impact and conflict remains a major problem. Geographic disadvantages and a lack of good governance contribute to Africa's lagging economic performance.40. Malaria, The Child Killer, Benjamin Joffe-Walt, BBC Focus on Africa", April-June 2005Although HIV/AIDS kills more adults, malaria is the biggest killer of children worldwide". The cost of this disease is enormous for poor countries, but the search for a cure receives only one seventh of the amount contributed for AIDS research. The disease costs billions in lost production and could be eradicated for a fraction of that cost.41. The Price of Life, Rachel Glennerster, Michael Kremer, and Heidi Williams, Foreign Policy", May/June 2005The pharmaceutical industry spends billions of dollars a year on research and development of new drugs. Little of this money is spent on research into therapies for diseases prevalent in poor countries".42. Why We Owe So Much to Victims of Disaster, Andrew Simms, New Statesman", May 16, 2005Andrew Simms argues that the industrialized countries are consuming way beyond their share of global resources. Instead of concentrating on poor countries' financial debts, the July G8 summit should focus on the industrialized world's ecological debt to the world's poor. Profligate use of world's resources by the rich increases the likelihood of natural disasters associated with climate change that affect developing countries disproportionately".UNIT 6. Women and Development43. The Payoff From Women's Rights, Isobel Coleman, Foreign Affairs", May/June 2004Research shows that women are essential to promoting economic development, a vibrant civil society, and good governance. Enhancing the status of women reduces birth rates" and infant mortality, improves health and nutrition", helps prevent the spread of AIDS, and strengthens community organizations and grassroots democracy. Progress in advancing women's rights has been made. Still, a wide disparity exists including opposition to measures designed to bring about further progress.44. Iraq's Excluded Women, Swanee Hunt and Cristina Posa, Foreign Policy", July/August 2004Efforts to establish democracy in Iraq run the risk of restricting women's political participation". Women's roles have suffered since the first Gulf War and the influence of religious conservatives threatens to undermine attempts to improve the status of women. Sacrificing women's political participation for political expediency will make it much harder for women to contribute to democracy.45. Ten Years' Hard Labour, The Economist", September 4, 2004A September 2004 review conference, examining progress on goals established by the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, found mixed results in effecting policy changes". Despite an increase in their use, millions still lack access to contraceptives, poor women still die of causes related to childbirth, and sexual education programs are complicated by battles over condoms versus abstinence. Funding to reach the ICPD goals also continues to lag.
