Introduction The simplest definition of development is “good change” (Thomas, 2000). However, what represents “good” is subjective. Traditional views saw development in a purely economic sense, in terms of an increase in Gross National Product (GNP). In other words, economic growth and development were synonymous. Recently, more inclusive and humanist definitions have been put forward, which focus on the improvement of people’s living standards and lives. This includes issues such as health, education, and human rights, with the focus more on human welfare than wealth. According to the United Nations Development Program, (United Nations Development Program, 2001). This essay will discuss the historical, cultural, and political factors associated
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Passe-Smith and Seligson go as far as to say that if these root causes are not addressed effectively and soon, global terrorism will thrive (Passe-Smith and Seligson, 2008). Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, claims that the single most definitive factor that allowed Eurasian societies to excel over their southern counterparts was their favorable position on the East-West axis, an orientation that offered climactic, ecological, and logistical advantages (Diamond, 1997). Diamond asserts that longer days were more favorable to genetic variation of vegetation (McNeill, 2001). He also maintains that Europe surpassed its Asian counterparts because its typography was more conducive to political fragmentation and consequently, led to more formidable and competent governments (McNeill, …show more content…
In the Cameroon courts in 2001, when the country was rated the world’s fifth most corrupt country, chasing down an unpaid invoice took 58 separate procedures (Harack, 2010). According to Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist,” (Harford, 2005). Political instability has a role in determining why countries remain poor. Political instability could be caused by tribalism, ethnic tension, or war. Countries experiencing long term conflicts often have significantly reduced chances of developing. Simmering ethnic divides can be a constant distraction, discouraging investment and destabilizing entire regions.
Conclusion
This paper has discussed the historical, cultural, and political factors associated with the lack of development in developing countries. Current definitions of development seem to focus on humanistic elements. There has been progress in the developing world. However, only by giving people in the developing world an opportunity to speak for themselves, rather than depending on the developed world to give them a voice, can such countries ever truly
Passe-Smith and Seligson go as far as to say that if these root causes are not addressed effectively and soon, global terrorism will thrive (Passe-Smith and Seligson, 2008). Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, claims that the single most definitive factor that allowed Eurasian societies to excel over their southern counterparts was their favorable position on the East-West axis, an orientation that offered climactic, ecological, and logistical advantages (Diamond, 1997). Diamond asserts that longer days were more favorable to genetic variation of vegetation (McNeill, 2001). He also maintains that Europe surpassed its Asian counterparts because its typography was more conducive to political fragmentation and consequently, led to more formidable and competent governments (McNeill, …show more content…
In the Cameroon courts in 2001, when the country was rated the world’s fifth most corrupt country, chasing down an unpaid invoice took 58 separate procedures (Harack, 2010). According to Tim Harford, author of The Undercover Economist,” (Harford, 2005). Political instability has a role in determining why countries remain poor. Political instability could be caused by tribalism, ethnic tension, or war. Countries experiencing long term conflicts often have significantly reduced chances of developing. Simmering ethnic divides can be a constant distraction, discouraging investment and destabilizing entire regions.
Conclusion
This paper has discussed the historical, cultural, and political factors associated with the lack of development in developing countries. Current definitions of development seem to focus on humanistic elements. There has been progress in the developing world. However, only by giving people in the developing world an opportunity to speak for themselves, rather than depending on the developed world to give them a voice, can such countries ever truly