ABSTRACT
In this chapter I assess the main arguments from post-development, which claim that the concept of ‘development’ should be rejected. It is suggested that there are many areas of convergence between post-development and development ethics since both are concerned with how the idea of ‘progress’ is defined by established development discourses, and who loses and who gains as a result of development programs and policy. Post-development makes several bold and original claims, such as that development is not a natural, value-neutral project, but that it is tainted by notions of European superiority and racism towards non-European people and ultimately signals the continuation of the colonial project of ‘civilizing’ the savage ‘other.’ While these are refreshing and valuable insights, some aspects of post-development thought bear worrying political implications, which readers are cautioned towards.
