Maggie Black (2) (1945–)

'Overseas aid' and 'international development' are catch-all terms that cover a multitude of activities - and abuses. Building dams in India, planting trees in Burkina Faso and rescuing street children in Brazil are images of development with which we can all identify. But what few people realize is that the terms aid and development often mask confusion, contradiction, and even downright deceit. This guide explains what 'development' actually is - and explores its political and economic roots in history. It shows what can happen in the name of development and argues for a more organic, social approach with those it seeks to serve as equal partners in the process. [Book Depository]… (mais)

No espere encontrar aquí un libro plagado de los tópicos de siempre sobre la necesidad de refundar las Naciones Unidas. Nada de eso, porque, tal como afirma su autora, “estoy dispuesta a defender el sistema de la ONU con todos los argumentos que pueda reunir”. Sin embargo, eso no le impide ser muy crítica con determinadas actitudes y situaciones. Así, dice que “el rendimiento global del PNUD puede tacharse generosamente de decepcionante”. No esconde los vínculos entre la FAO y las grandes compañías agroindustriales o entre la OMS y las grandes farmacéuticas. Siempre con un juicio muy medido y ponderado, la autora aborda la cuestión de si las Naciones Unidas son el marco adecuado para afrontar los grandes retos de la sociedad global (medio ambiente, desarrollo, seguridad, ayuda humanitaria, derechos humanos), a la vez que va adentrándose en una magistral y amena lección de historia contemporánea, plagada de ejemplos, anécdotas y pequeños secretos.… (mais)

"Building dams in India, planting trees in Burkina Faso, rescuing street
children in Brazil - these are images of aid and international development with
which we can all identify. What few people realize is that the terms 'overseas
aid' and 'international development' mask confusion, contradiction, and even
downright deceit. All too often what passes for development improves life for
the better-off, while actively hurting the very people the venture was meant to
support. In this No-Nonsense Guide Maggie Black exposes the hypocrisy and
reveals a more accurate picture of what is happening in development's hame,
arguing for a process to be put in place that truly defends the interests of
poor people." --back cover… (mais)