War and Development: Questions, Answers and Prospects for the 21st Century

• In Event: 434 - Section on Sociology of Development Paper Session. Neglected Issues in the Sociology of Development

Abstract

On two important topics – development and war/social conflict -- sociology has contributed to and has benefited from interdisciplinary research and debate. The human capabilities approach emphasizes that development cannot be reduced to top-down policies promoting economic development. Instead, development must be based on inclusive decision-making and focused on the security and well-being of individuals. This critical understanding of development challenges assertions that are quite prominent in political and comparative historical sociology. Whereas warmaking did contribute to statebuilding and economic growth in Europe (especially in the Early Modern period) and East Asia (post-World War II), these non-democratic and often coercive policies should not be confused with development. Only with a transition to democracy and demilitarization of the state did these regimes begin to pursue developmental policies. In turn, because fundamental social change often results from war (often taking place during a war), the study of social change – including development – must incorporate the study of war. When compared to prior centuries, the affluent nations of the Global North are much less likely to experience the full ferocity of war. In the 21st Century, wars are concentrated in the nations of the Global South. Wars have been characterized as “development in reverse” – they destroy the institutions needed for development and reverse fragile gains in food security, child and maternal health and environmental sustainability. For practitioners and scholars of development, the lessons are clear. Development cannot be understood or promoted without a full consideration of war and social conflict.

Author

• Gregory Hooks, McMaster University