The updated ninth edition of Challenges of the Developing World examines political, social, and economic development in the diverse countries of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. In doing so, it explores the political economy of policymaking, investigates the uncertain dynamics of democratization, highlights the impact of ethnic and religious tensions on developing countries, and looks at revolution and military intervention in politics. Key issues such as the environment, sus...

Now updated with new chapters on culture and on populism, this seminal text disputes the view that we are experiencing a "clash of civilizations" as well as the idea that globalization leads to cultural homogenization. Instead, Jan Nederveen Pieterse argues that we are witnessing the formation of a global melange culture through processes of cultural mixing or hybridization. From this perspective on globalization, conflict may be mitigated and identity preserved, albeit transformed.

In a new ...