The outcome of a major research project on development, security and culture, this outstanding collection, along with a second volume Human Values and Global Governance, outlines the emerging field of global studies and the theoretical approach of global social theory. With an impressive, international cast of academics and practitioners this book examines the problem of development and the theoretical and methodological issues it raises for global studies. Development has traditionally been viewed as an evolutionary process of improvement. Here, it is posited as a succession of historically contextualized discourses and its changing paradigms and conceptualizations since the 18th century are uncovered. Aiming to formulate new syntheses and pradigms, contributors draw on a new 'global studies' to question current approaches and provide development alternatives. A highly original approach to the study of globalization and development, this book provides fascinating new insights into our globalized condition.