Summary

Development, State and Society is a nuanced overview of economic thought, political formations and social issues applied to Africa. In this thought-provoking book, Seyoum Hameso argues that the promise of development was taken to heart by millions throughout the world. After half a century of "development," it remains unfulfilled for millions in Africa. The swollen bodies of children, emaciated faces of women, a relentless scourge of conflicts that have become a way of life, all point to a continent ill at ease with itself and less at ease with its external engagement. All this indicate that there is a pressing need for the redefinition of the existing approaches and practices with a view to help chart alternative development. The book contains two parts. The first part presents theoretical and historical aspects of development problematic. The second part deals with practical issues on economic performance, political governance, the role of culture and Africa's relationship with the external world including the IMF, the World Bank and problems associated with globalization. The book is a timely contribution and a commendable reading for anyone involved in historical, political and social background of development problems.