Perspective of the Nation (How Projects Attempting to Improve Human Conditions Have Failed)

Author: James C. Scott (USA), translated by Wang Xiaoyi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: Why do large-scale projects intended to change human circumstances in the 20th century suffer so many failures? James C. Scott analyzes the various failures in autocratic state planning driven by radical modernism—such as the collectivization in the Soviet Union, the construction of Brasília, and the forced Ujamaa villages in Tanzania—and reveals the common conditions underlying all these planning disasters. He argues that these failures teach us that to achieve success, centrally managed social planning must understand local customs and practical knowledge. One of the most significant and inspiring studies published in recent decades, this work offers Scott’s compelling explanation against the abuse of state power to reshape entire societies. This insightful and eloquently written work calls for saving the world we inhabit today. A persuasive and deeply insightful explanation of why grand social reform projects, let alone revolutions, so often end in disaster—the Soviet disaster serves as a critical commentary on the dangers of utopian state planning. Through numerous concrete examples, such as German scientific forestry in the 19th century, forced villagization in Tanzania, and Soviet collectivization, Scott examines why these projects failed to deliver the expected outcomes, with many even having the opposite effect. This is because state planning, in its development initiatives, overlooks the diversity and complexity of development, ignores local traditions, and simplifies complex projects, leading to their failure. Why did the construction of Brasília, Soviet collectivization, and forced villagization in Tanzania fail to meet expectations? How do projects aimed at improving human conditions go awry? What should states do when formulating development plans? After a decade of research, investigation, and reflection, James C. Scott, the renowned American anthropologist, provides his answers: state planning fails because it overlooks the diversity and complexity of development, ignores local traditions, and simplifies complex projects. This book won the 2000 annual "Best Comparative Literature Book" award from the American Matt Dagong. It is highly recommended for readers interested in national development, political science, and anthropology. The 19th and 20th centuries were the most glorious periods in human history, with science greatly expanding human capabilities. Humans not only conquered nature but also conquered themselves. However, by the late 20th century, people suddenly discovered that behind the projects they were proud of lay immense disasters. In this book, Scott discusses numerous failed projects, from German scientific forestry to Soviet agriculture; from Brasília’s city development to Tanzania’s villages. Each project was grand in scale, but the results were catastrophic. The term "project" might be ambiguous, so Scott uses another term in the book—"social engineering"—to more directly convey the characteristics of these initiatives.