Challenges of the Developing World

The updated ninth edition of Challenges of the Developing World examines political, social, and economic development in the diverse countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In doing so, it explores the political economy of policymaking, investigates the uncertain dynamics of democratization, highlights the impact of ethnic and religious tensions on developing countries, and looks at revolution and military intervention in politics. Key issues such as the environment, sustainable development, globalization, corruption, rural and urban poverty, and gender receive particular attention. Throughout, the book also highlights the contribution of different analytical perspectives within political science and development studies. Clearly written and frequently illustrated with examples, Challenges of the Developing World is designed to provide the reader with knowledge of the essential concepts, relationships, and approaches in a way that will be of lasting value.

Table of Contents:
1. Understanding Underdevelopment Developing World Commonalities: The Nature of Underdevelopment The Causes of Underdevelopment 2. The Political Economy of the Developing World The Role of the State Trade and Industrialization Strategies Growth with Equity Economic Development and the Environment The Search for Sustainable Development Finding the Right Mix The Effects of Globalization on the Developing World 3. The Surge and Partial Retreat of Democracy Democracy Defined Democratic Transition and Consolidation Authoritarian Beginnings The Third Wave and Its Effect on the Developing World International Causes and Consequences of the Third Wave Prerequisites of Democracy? Democratic Consolidation Explained How Do Democracies Perform? Public Policy Compared Improving the Quality of Democracy 4. Corruption as an Obstacle to Development Definition and Types of Corruption The Costs of Corruption The Causes of Corruption Combating Corruption 5. Religion and Politics Religion in the Developing World Religion, Modernity, and Secularization The Future of Religion and Politics in the Developing World 6. Politics of Cultural Pluralism and Ethnic Conflict Defining Ethnicity Ethnic and State Boundaries Types of Ethnic and Cultural Divisions Dependency, Modernization, and Ethnic Conflict Levels of Interethnic Conflict Outcomes and Resolutions Ethnic Pluralism and Democracy 7. Gender and Development The Status of Women in the Developing World Gender and Politics Modernization and the Status of Women Gender and Democracy 8. The Politics of the Rural and Urban Poor The Rural Poor: The Peasantry in the Developing World Rural Class Structures Peasant Politics The Politics of Agrarian Reform The Future of the Rural Poor Rapid Urbanization and the Politics of the Urban Poor The Developing World’s Urban Explosion The Social and Political Consequence of Urban Growth The Politics of the Urban Poor: Conflicting Images Forms of Political Expression Among the Urban Poor The Role of the Rural and Urban Poor in Democratic Change 9. Revolutionary Change Defining Revolution Underlying Causes of Revolution Levels of Popular Support Peasants as Revolutionaries Revolutionary Leadership Revolutionaries in Power Revolutionary Change and Democracy 10. Soldiers and Politics The Causes of Military Interventions Progressive Soldiers and Military Conservatives The Types and Goals of Military Regimes The Accomplishments and Failures of Military Regimes Military Withdrawal from Politics The Military as a Deciding Factor in the Arab Spring New Roles for the Armed Forces Democracy and the Military

About the Author :
Howard Handelman was professor emeritus of political science at the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee. He specialized in the politics of developing nations, especially Latin America. Rex Brynen is professor of political science at McGill University, where he specializes in Middle East politics, peacebuilding, and humanitarian operations.

Review :
Challenges of the Developing World is a highly remarkable text. It is what students of development have been waiting for – a thoughtful, comprehensive, critical, and engaging study of issues and challenges in the developing world. In the end, this well-documented, elegantly written, and thought-provoking text is a wonderful introduction to the field. An excellent and comprehensive introduction to the politics of developing nations. A sophisticated, thorough introduction to the politics of the developing world that makes good use of current research and is suitable for upper level undergraduate students.