Begins by identifying a global problematique, a coincidence of four sustained factors; war, insecurity and militarisation; the persistance of poverty, the denial of human rights; environmental destruction. The conventional policy approaches to these problems are analysed through a rigorous critique of the three United Nations reports of the 1980s. Describing the partial solutions of the Brandt, Palme and Bruntland Commissions, attention is turned to the individuals and organisations involved in policy and action at the grassroots level. Peace and security, human rights, economic development are all discussed. The author argues that if the root causes for crisis lie in Western scientism, developmentalism and the construct of the nations state, it is on the success of `alternative' work that a new world order, based on peace, human dignity and ecological sustainability, can be created.
Biography
Paul Ekins
`Paul Ekins has written a powerful, inspiring book.' - The Tablet
`There is a great deal of interesting material and the perspective is genuinely global, with examples taken from several dozen countries.' - Times Higher Educational Supplement
`Ekins shows very clearly that the objectives of the peace, social justice, green and feminist movements cannot be separated without tearing the heart out of each.' - New Statesman and Society
`An exciting and historically timely book with both vision and pragmatism.' - Development
`.. highly readable ... Ekins presents a wide survey of the activities of organisations and individuals in the field of what is sometimes called "Another Development" or development "as if people mattered". - Third World Quarterly
