Reflections on the Right to Development

The Right to Development (RTD) is a new and highly contested right. Its emergence is linked to the demand for a ‘new international economic order’ by developing countries. Composite in nature and integrating civil and political rights with economic, social and cultural rights, the RTD approach underscores participation, a fair sharing of benefits, transparency and non-discrimination. The present volume explores the theoretical and practical aspects of RTD as an alternative to existing approaches to development. It brings together the reflections and insights of some of the finest scholars on the specific aspects of RTD. The essays in this volume are arranged in three sections: Section I introduces the concept of RTD in its theoretical and historical aspects, and explores its implications for development. Section II contains empirical studies that throw light on various aspects of RTD. These are an evaluation of Sri Lanka’s development process from the RTD perspective; and enquiry into the trends and characteristics of poverty reduction in India; a case study of public action and participation in Kerala; and the relationship between RTD and existing international economic regimes. Section III explores the theoretical underpinnings of social choice theory and its application to RTD. It draws attention to the problems involved in aggregating individual interests with social preferences. An important contribution that enhances our understanding of RTD and provides the basis for further discussion and research on the subject, this volume will be considerable interest to researchers in the fields of development studies, human rights, law and social policy.