“Overseas aid” and “international development” are catch-all terms that cover a multitude of activities — and abuses. Building dams in India, planting treesin Burkina Faso, and rescuing street children in Brazil are images of development with which we can all identify. But what few people realize is that the terms “aid” and “development” often mask confusion, contradiction, and even downright deceit.

The updated version of 2002's best-selling No-Nonsense Guide to International Development explains what “development” actually is — and explores its political and economic roots in history. It shows what can happen in the name of development and argues for a more organic, social approach with those it seeks to serve as equal partners in the process.