FAQs

Aren't intervention philosophies unique to colonial regimes?
No. Intervention philosophies are the ideological justification for outsiders to take an active role in foreign regions. Economic development is usually justified by the idea that industrialization and modernization are good for everybody and should be introduced, promoted, and maintained all over the world. As the sisal scheme in Brazil and the green revolution in Java demonstrate, industrialization and modernization are not necessarily good for everybody. The intervention philosophy of the U.S. is that it is the guardian of democracy around the world. This intervention philosophy was used to justify its fighting in the Gulf War since Iraq had invaded and violated Kuwait's democracy.

What is postcolonialism?
Postcolonialism refers to the interactions between European nations and their former colonies. Usually this term is used to signify a position against imperialism and Eurocentrism. Postcolonialism is not restricted to anthropology, as many literature scholars, economists, historians, and political scientists investigate how former colonies were affected by the long-term presence of a strong European government. Not all postcolonial interaction is antagonistic. A good example are the Commonwealth games, which are similar to the Olympics, but involve only the former colonies of the British Empire like Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand.

What are Third World models for economic development?
Third World models for economic development are those models that are based on traditional social, cultural, and economic practices. Too often, models for economic development are the result of brainstorming in a boardroom in New York or London. These models look good on paper, but they were created without any consideration for what the target community will think of them. These top down models have had limited success mixed with tremendous failures. Kottak argues that Third World models are more successful because they start by figuring out what the target community wants and needs. Then development plans are created that are custom fitted to the unique social, cultural, and economic traditions of that community. In the long-run, these bottom-up models are more effective because they are built on indigenous cultural practices and target needs that the community wants to address.