ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the diffuse and often contradictory understandings of “development” and the various ways in which international historians have approached the topic during recent decades. Several historiographical strands have led to the emergence of history of development as a recognizable historical field. These include, among others, global economic history, the history of colonialism and imperialism, world history, and the history of international organizations and of development assistance. While there has been an overall shift from Euro-centric to global views, there tends to be an inherent tension between perspectives from different parts of the world. The history of development is of acute contemporary relevance, as different interpretations of the history of development determine the evaluation of present-day international relations and responsibilities for perceived developmental successes and failures. Meanwhile, the history of development also includes the history of critical views that have frequently accompanied development, without, however, weakening the global attraction of this concept. Overall, the chapter argues that development is a global experience, of which the North-South dimension is only one, albeit important, component.
