International development cooperation at a turning point

International development cooperation will turn 75 this year. Its history has been characterised by controversial discussions about the 'right' goals, motives and strategies. Now, however, the criticism of DC has become much more fundamental: It is being called into question whether the basic narrative according to which the successful Global North with all its experience, knowledge and money (selflessly) supports the poor Global South in overcoming central development constraints actually still reflects reality. Has the world not changed so much since the beginning of international development cooperation after the Second World War that this narrative also urgently needs to be revised? Criticism is coming simultaneously from very different directions: scientists, politicians and development practitioners from the North and South.

This edition of 'Development in Brief' summarises the major upheavals in international DC in a simple and concise form and points out the urgent need for action.

International development cooperation at a turning point(PDF, 50 KB, accessible)