From the perspective of the state

Author: James C. Scott
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-25
Features: Through numerous concrete examples such as German scientific forestry in the 19th century, forced villagization in Tanzania, and the Soviet collective farms, this book analyzes why these projects failed to achieve their intended outcomes, with many even having the opposite effect. It illustrates that the failure of these projects was due to the state's neglect of the diversity and complexity of development in its planning, disregard for local traditions, and oversimplification of complex development initiatives. Why did the construction of Brasília, the Soviet collective farms, and forced villagization in Tanzania fail to meet expectations? How did projects aimed at improving human conditions fail? How should the state act when formulating development plans? After a decade of investigation, research, and discussion, James C. Scott, the renowned American anthropologist, provides his answers: the failure of these projects was due to the state's neglect of the diversity and complexity of development in its planning, disregard for local traditions, and oversimplification of complex development initiatives. This book won the 2000 annual "Best Comparative Literature Book" award from the American Matthew and is worth reading for those interested in national development, political science, and anthropology. The 19th and 20th centuries were the most glorious periods in human history, with human capabilities greatly expanded by various sciences. They not only continuously conquered nature but also continuously conquered themselves. However, by the late 20th century, people suddenly discovered that behind the projects they were proud of lay immense human disasters. In this book, Scott elaborates on many failed projects, from German scientific forestry to Soviet agriculture; from the city of Brasília to the villages of Tanzania. Each project was grand in scale, but what it brought was immense disaster. The term "project" may be somewhat vague, and Scott uses another term in the book—"social engineering"—to more directly convey the characteristics of these initiatives.