Menu Expand
The Violence of Development

The Violence of Development

Martin Mowforth

(2014)

Additional Information

Book Details

Abstract

This book examines the failure of 'development' in Central America, where despite billions of dollars of development funding and positive indicators of economic growth, poverty remains entrenched and violence endemic.

Martin Mowforth shows how development is predicated on force and systematic violence, through which the world's most powerful governments, financial institutions and companies punish the global south.

Crucially, the analysis in The Violence of Development comes from many development project case studies and over sixty interviews with a range of people in Central America, including nuns, politicians, NGO representatives, trade unionists, indigenous leaders and human rights defenders. This book is a compelling synthesis of first-hand research and development theory.
'Distinctively emphasises the violent and destructive effects of the development policies that have been implemented in Central America'
Linda Holland, Director of The Institute for Central American Studies (ICAS)

Table of Contents

Section Title Page Action Price
Cover Cover
Contents v
List of Figures, Tables and Boxes vi
List of Abbreviations and Acronyms viii
Acknowledgements xiii
Preface xv
1. Introduction 1
2. Food: For Whose Table? 15
3. Water: Flowing in the Wrong Direction 44
4. Energy: Powerful Forces 62
5. Mining: All That Glitters... 86
6. Deforestation and Reforestation: Can't See the Wood for the Trees 106
7. Industrialisation and Free Trade Treaties: From Slavery to Sweatshop 130
8. Indigenous Groups: The Fourth World Fights Back 150
9. The Violence of Development: Human Rights Defenders against the Wall 170
10. Whither Development? 200
Notes 207
Select Bibliography 243
Index 244