Pathways to Development: From Politics to Power

The puzzle of why some countries are wealthier and more developed than others is confounded by the second decade of the 21st century. Pathways to Development draws on a comparative research effort to present new answers to the question of how politics shapes development. It develops and applies a power domains framework across multiple countries in the global South to uncover the political drivers of development across a wide range of policy areas, including economic growth, gender equity, health, and education. Hickey and Sen find that a country's pathway to development is shaped less by institutional type than by the nature of the politics and power relations that underpin these institutions and which shape how they actually function in practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The puzzle of why some countries are wealthier and more developed than others continues to confound students and practitioners of development alike. Whereas earlier grand explanations focused on issues of geography or institutions, the second decade of the 21st century finally saw politics arrive center-stage within international development. This catalyzed a search to answer the key question: under what conditions do governments become committed to and capable of delivering development? How can these processes be conceptualized and researched? And what (if anything) can be done to get the politics right for development?

Pathways to Development draws on a major comparative research effort to present new answers to the question of how politics shapes development. It develops and applies a power domains framework across multiple countries in the global South to uncover the political drivers of development across a wide range of policy areas, including economic growth, gender equity, health, and education. Hickey and Sen find that a country's pathway to development is shaped less by institutional type than by the nature of the politics and power relations that underpinned these institutions and which shape how they actually function in practice within different policy domains.

Comparative analysis reveals two alternative pathways to developmental outcomes, each of which is specific to particular configurations of power. The first involves a dominant ruling coalition with a strong developmental vision that faces an existential threat from opposition groups. In response, the ruling coalition adopts a developmental agenda that seeks to address the concerns of opposition groups while also promoting its own interests. This pathway is characterized by a high level of political stability, strong institutions, and a focus on long-term development.

The second pathway involves a dominant ruling coalition with a weak developmental vision that faces little opposition from opposition groups. In response, the ruling coalition adopts a conservative agenda that seeks to maintain its power and privilege while also promoting economic growth and social stability. This pathway is characterized by a high level of political instability, weak institutions, and a focus on short-term gains.

Pathways to Development offers a valuable contribution to the study of development politics by providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing the political drivers of development across different countries and policy domains. It highlights the importance of understanding the nature of power relations and the political processes that shape development outcomes. By identifying two alternative pathways to developmental outcomes, the book also provides insights into the factors that can promote or hinder development in different contexts.

In conclusion, Pathways to Development is a must-read for students and practitioners of development alike. It offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the political drivers of development, provides valuable insights into the factors that can promote or hinder development, and offers a valuable framework for analyzing the political drivers of development across different countries and policy domains.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198872566