Introduction 2.0

Page 1

Introduction:

“It is better to die for an idea that will live, than to live for

an idea that will die”

Certainly a potent statement. The speaker in

this case being Steve Biko, who was an anti-apartheid activist and the founder

of the black consciousness movement in South Africa, causes he would

subsequently die for at the hands of his state. His statement I believe

reflects the notion that the value in something can be derived from its ability

for longevity. Likewise in Development, projects are seen to be successful when

they are initiatives that produce lasting impacts. Sustainability being a key

concept and theme in this semester of Global Development, the above quotation

unites both my intended case study of South Africa and the theories on

Development that work to mold both South African society, Canadian Society and

our global village.

Further,

the knowledge I have gained from last semester with regards to our conceptions

of ‘good governance’, the role of the state in development and the role of

institutions like the United Nations, the World Bank and the International

Monetary Fund will directly relate to this semesters topics of focus. I am

genuinely excited to explore human rights, issues of morality, health,

education, gender and poverty, all in the context of Development. I can

shamelessly affirm that I am anticipating the debate of cultural relativism

versus universalism, even if it is only for the fact that it means we will be

drawn away from the modernization theory versus dependency theory debacle.

Finally,

I am hoping to gain over the course of this semester a clearer understanding of

the admirable attributes and consequences that surround the various issues in

Development today. To be better informed on the activities and policies of the

economic and political giants of our world, and the theories which support

their existence, will not only benefit me in my pursuits in History and

Political Studies, but should make me a more informed voter in our upcoming

federal elections.