In this subject we will explore theoretical and practical issues related to the politics and governance dynamics of international development. Development is by its nature a process of social change, one which requires an understanding of the inner-politics of change: that is, how actors (individuals and groups) in society interact in different contexts to address social issues, and how social movements operate to bring about progressive and transformational change at the domestic, regional and international levels. There will be two thematic arcs for this course. The first theme is the governance dynamics of social change and the interactions between different actors in the production of social policy. In doing this we will draw on cases examples from the Australian and international contexts. The second theme is the politics of development: We will examining current thinking around the politics of power and of aid and development more generally, and discuss some of the attempts and difficulties faced by development agencies in attempting to address global social issues such as the arms trade treaty, debt and climate change.

Subject rules

Readings