In Search of Development and Governance: Practice and Challenges in a Globalized World

Abstract

The idea of development was recognized as a tool for helping countries to achieve progress in establishing and sustaining economic and political systems and improving living conditions for citizens. For several decades, scholars and practitioners were optimistic of the success of the tool and some progress was achieved in some areas. A serious assessment of development revealed that it has not met the high expectations and, in fact, contributed to worse conditions for certain groups of people across the developing world. Several changes in the world system and the advent of globalization, in particular, distorted the outcome of many development efforts. Uneven results and disillusionment with development led analysts to consider the potentials of good governance that could contribute to the improvement of conditions by emphasizing a number of values such as accountability, transparency, adherence to rule of law, equity and efficiency. However, it is unrealistic to expect one single model of development or a prescribed strategy for attaining good governance in a globalized world. The article argues that it is time to recognize the inherent diversities across political, economic and social systems and recognize differences to build on strengths derived from indigenous traditions, cultures and practices