Development and Disorder: A History of the Third World Since 1945

by Michael Mason

A contemporary history of the Third World that explains why most of these countries failed to develop in ways which benefit the majority of their populations.

Genres: History

Paperback

First published April 30, 1997

Reviews

[Bernard English · Rating 5 out of 5]

In addition to the countries he reviews, the last chapter, "What Was Development," really is a fantastic short summary of the policies and institutions involved in "helping" the Third World develop. There are many nuggets of information, like the incredible fact that Robert McNamara not only caused military havoc but also financial. His exploits as the Butcher of Vietnam are of course well known, but little did I know he also did untold damage as World Bank president between 1968 and 1981. Mason writes"According to McNamara's vision, the more money that was borrowed, the more likely Third World economies were to develop. Because loans by the Bank were apparently viewed as Guarantees of Good Housekeeping, other banks and donors opened their purses, too. There seemed to be no downside; developmentalist dogma predicted that the loans would yield growth, and growth would guarantee the paying off of loans. Certainly, no one in the Bank predicted anything like the debt crisis that followed in the 1980s, by which time the phenomenon of loan pushing had become known as 'reckless credit expansion." It's a credit to Mason for pointing this out--something no anti-Keynesian or Libertarian tract I've read mentioned.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent synopsis of the history of various developing nations throughout the globe. Written with inside and wit, it is a must read for anyone interested in developing countries.