Development in Hindsight: The Economics of Common Sense gives an insight into major development issues, such as the contribution of aid to economic growth of developing countries and the effect of globalization on the fight against poverty. It also considers the role of the state and the market in development and the institutional dimension of economic growth. All this in an up-to-date, highly readable and entertaining manner. It is a must for students, development practitioners and for those interested in the development challenges of developing countries, especially in their fight against poverty.
Peter de Haan is a development economist. He started his career with UNDP's regional programme for the Pacific after which he joined NOVIB, a Dutch funding NGO. After a brief stint as director of the European Office of Inter Press Service, he joined the Netherlands Ministry for Development Cooperation as senior institutional development expert. From 2000 to 2006 he worked at the Royal Netherlands Embassy in La Paz as senior Governance specialist. The author has worked in many developing and transition countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa and Eastern Europe. Hence, he has hands on experience of the trials and tribulations the majority developing countries face in the process of development.