Policy Press

Decolonizing Development

Food, Heritage and Trade in Post-Authoritarian Environments

By Jennifer Keahey

Published

Nov 30, 2023

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529224368

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 30, 2023

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529224375

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Nov 30, 2023

Page count

210 pages

ISBN

978-1529224375

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Decolonizing Development

Post-Soviet Latvia and post-apartheid South Africa are far apart geographically and yet have endured a similar history of colonial and authoritarian rule before transitioning to democracy at the end of the 20th century. This book examines these two nations in an unusual comparative study of post-authoritarian efforts to decolonize production and trade.

The book combines an analysis of political economy and ecocultural heritage to unpack alternative trade formations. It also connects world systems thinking with Indigenous knowledge to articulate a decolonial theory of development and change over the longue durée. Conclusions and insights drawn are timely and important for a planet confronted by crises such as authoritarianism, laissez-faire capitalism, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This book advocates development in a disarming way by postulating a theory that enables economic and social growth in a context of environmental harmony and cultural integrity.” George K. Danns, University of North Georgia

“[This innovative book provides] a rich and broad-ranging comparative analysis of the histories and indigenous worldviews shaping engagements in alternative food networks in distant yet connected places. [Jennifer] Keahey’s unique and incisive vision sheds light on the challenges of decolonizing development and inspiring possibilities for emboldening more ‘egalitarian ecocultures’. Laura T. Raynolds, Colorado State University

“This innovative book provides a rich and broad-ranging comparative analysis of the histories and indigenous worldviews shaping engagements in alternative food networks in distant yet connected places. Jennifer Keahey’s unique and incisive vision sheds light on the challenges of decolonizing development and inspiring possibilities for emboldening more “egalitarian ecocultures.”” Laura T. Raynolds, Colorado State University, USA

“Keahey's thesis that alternative approaches to destructive traditional development are flourishing on the margins of the modern world system is as provocative as it is insightful. A must-read for those seeking new directions for a more sustainable future.” Douglas L. Murray, Colorado State University, USA

Jennifer Keahey is Associate Professor in Sociology at the School of Social and Behavioural Sciences at Arizona State University, US. She is also an Associate at the Centre for Fair and Alternative Trade Studies at Colorado State University, US.

1. Transformative Societies

2. A Comparative History of Latvia and South Africa

3. Indigenous Baltic Knowledge: Daina Philosophy

4. Indigenous African Knowledge: Ubuntu Philosophy

5. Organic Farming and Slow Food in Post-Soviet Latvia

6. Fair Trade and Rooibos Terroir in Post-Apartheid South Africa

7. Decolonizing Development