Western science and technology are the motors that drive social progress; no other knowledge system comes anywhere close. It's a widely held view, an example of Western exceptionalism and triumphalism -- but is it correct? The philosopher of science Sandra Harding talks about knowledge appropriation, the failure of "development," and the value and sophistication of non-Western ways of thinking.

The story often goes something like this: Capitalist globalization penetrates poorer nations as a hegemonic, homogenizing force. Sometimes rural communities, heroic defenders of traditional practices, rise up in stark opposition to the mainstream development agenda. Kiran Asher argues against what she sees as misleading and simplistic notions that ignore on-the-ground complexities; her case study focuses on a resource-rich region of Colombia.

Poor nations don't, or can't, devote adequate resources to improving their populations' health and well-being. Are the policies of the International Monetary Fund partly to blame for this? Rick Rowden explains how IMF dictates, and the neoliberal economic logic that ungirds them, block poor countries from developing.

Poor nations don't, or can't, devote adequate resources to improving their populations' health and well-being. Are the policies of the International Monetary Fund partly to blame for this? Rick Rowden explains how IMF dictates, and the neoliberal economic logic that ungirds them, block poor countries from developing.