"This exciting book is a tour de force, spanning a broad range of approaches to development. It does not stop at critique, as so many previous books on these issues have done, but offers a unique perspective on future possibilities and the shape of things to come. It should be essential reading on all development studies courses".

- Andrea Cornwall, Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex

Praise for the previous edition:

"This marvellous book should be read by every social scientist interested in development studies".

- Keith Griffin, University of California, Riverside

This is the second edition of this successful book. Written by one of the leading authorities in the field, it:

• Situates students in the expanding field of development theory.


• Provides an unrivalled guide to the strengths and weaknesses of competing theoretical approaches.


• Explains key concepts.


• Examines the shifts in theory.


• Offers an agenda for the future.

Jan Nederveen brings together a huge range of experience and knowledge about the relationship between the economically advanced and the emerging, developing nations.