Solidarity in development? : historical experiences and present concerns with economic stability and political security across borders

Abstract

Historically, various interventions to tackle poverty and ‘underdevelopment’ have been motivated as much by concern about the social and political effects of inequality as by the existence of inequality itself. Over the course of the twentieth century, development aid became the most popular instrument intended to prevent possible radical social and political responses to ‘underdevelopment’. Whether inspired by notions of transnational solidarity or by political, ideological, or strategic motivations, European and international development assistance has generally pursued two goals. First, increasing economic productivity. Second, establishing the administrative structures considered necessary for a stable social and political order along the norms embraced by the providers of technology, expertise, and financial resources. Today, the European Union’s development efforts abroad are increasingly tied to security concerns. This panel will consider the historical experiences of development cooperation within Europe and globally and will explore how various interests – from solidarity to humanitarianism to strategic concerns – affect the formulation, implementation, and the effects of development assistance programs.