| Kommentar |
Global Development in the Polycrisis – Current Issues and Novel Approaches
(Globale Entwicklung in der Polykrise – Aktuelle Themen und neue Ansätze)
Zoom: https://uni-due.zoom-x.de/j/65462214595?pwd=882lJHj4IOuCP4Bm3WNBgxkl5ND6ko.1
Password: 218401
Contact Details: PD Dr Dr Ariel Hernandez, ariel.hernandez@giga-hamburg.de
LinkedIn: Ariel Macaspac Hernández | LinkedIn
Website: http://www.dr-ariel-hernandez.com
In the face of multiple interconnected crises—collectively known as the polycrisis— critiques of international development policies are growing increasingly vocal. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of foreign aid, development assistance and development cooperation as reliable instruments for ensuring the well-being of humanity and the planet (Gabriel et al., 2022, Brand et al., 2021). The polycrisis has exposed the limitations of Western anthropocentrism and instrumentalism, which perpetuate several binaries and dichotomies inherent in the "civilizational" approach (Godrej, 2016). As a result, there is a pressing need for alternative perspectives that transcend Western-centric and purely technocratic approaches to development.
This seminar seeks to revisit, reimagine and reshape international development policies by exploring how alternative conceptions and practices can effectively the polycrisis. The seminar will achieve this aim through the following three steps:
1) Vision - Reimagining international development by incorporating bodies of knowledge beyond Western ideation, such as indigenous wisdom and non-Western development outlooks.
2) Barriers – Assessing the current limitations of international development, with a focus on power dynamics, dominance structures and path dependencies in consensual knowledge and multilateralism.
3) Actions – Developing policy recommendations for advancing international development policies
Throughout the seminar, students will enhance their critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of diverse concepts and practices in international development. They will also learn to critically and analytically engage with international development discourse, exploring its various theoretical approaches and related practices.
Requirements and Organization of Course:
The course is open to students of MA Internationale Beziehungen und Entwicklungspolitik as well as MA Development and Governance.
To achieve the course objectives, students are expected to attend regularly, read the assigned texts, and actively participate in each session. Since every session includes a discussion of the readings, thorough preparation is essential. The required readings are clearly identified below and are accessible via the Moodle platform. Access to Moodle will require a password, which will be provided during the first meeting.
The main assessment for this course will be an individually composed policy paper (five pages) as well as a group presentation. To support the development of the policy paper, students will be divided into thematic groups. Detailed guidelines regarding the format of the policy papers and class presentations will be provided during the course.
The course will be conducted in a hybrid format, incorporating both online and in-person sessions. Additionally, the course will be organized into blocks, as outlined in the schedule below.
The compulsory reading materials are available in the moodle platform.
Lecturer’s contact details:
Per appointment only via zoom or MS Teams
Email: ariel.hernandez@giga-hamburg.de
Website: www.dr-ariel-hernandez.com
Schedule:
24 October 2025, Friday, 14-18 (online)
Introduction
Paradigms of Global Development Cooperation
Compulsory reading:
Bracho, G. at al. (2021) Origins, Evolution and Future of Global Development Cooperation. The Role of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Bonn: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik/ German Development Institute (here: pp. 11-66)
Carbonnier, G. & Sumner, A. (2012) Refraiming aid in a world where the poor live in emerging economies, in: Carbonnier, G. (ed.) International Development Policy: Aid, Emerging Economies and Global Policies, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 3-18.
Horner, R. (2019) Towards a new paradigm of global development? Beyond the limits of international development. Progress in Human Geography, 44, 415-436.
7 November 2025, Friday, 14-18 (online)
Alternative Visions of Global Development Policies
Compulsory reading:
Schildberg, C. (2014) A caring and sustainable economy: A concept note from a feminist International Policy Analysis, 1-13
Miner, M. & Dowson, M. (2023) Chapter 1 – Spirituality as key resource for human flourishing, in: Miner, M., Dowson, M. & Devenish, S. (eds.) Beyond well-being. Spirituality and human flourishing. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, pp. 5-32.
Mwipikeni, P. (2018) Ubuntu and the modern society, South African Journal of Philosophy, 37:3, 322-334
5 December 2025, Friday, Block, 9-16:00, LK 063
Barriers to Equitable International Development
Group Presentations
Compulsory reading:
Alden, C., Large, D. and Mendez, A. (2020) The Western Way of Development: A Critical Review, in New Development Assistance. Emerging Economies and the New Landscape of Development Assistance, Yijia Jing, Alvaro Mendez and Zu Zheng (editors), Palgrave
Macmillan, Singapore, pp. 19-38.
Akena, F. A. (2012) Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization Journal of Black Studies, 43, 599-619.
16 January 2026, Friday, Block, 9-16:00, LK 063
Futures Scenarios Exercise (Zukunftswerkstatt) /LEGO Serious Play
Compulsory reading:
Bello-Bravo, J. (2019) When is indigeneity: closing a legal and sociocultural gap in a contested domestic/international term. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 15.
Hughes, I., Hernandez, A., Glynn, J., Hynes, W., and Gallachór, B. (2024), Conceptualising Global Cultural Transformation – Developing Deep Institutional Scenarios for Whole of Society Change, Environmental Research Letters
Recommended Literature:
Alden, C., Large, D. and Mendez, A. (2020) The Western Way of Development: A Critical Review, in New Development Assistance. Emerging Economies and the New Landscape of Development Assistance, Yijia Jing, Alvaro Mendez and Zu Zheng (editors), Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore, pp. 19-38.
Akena, F. A. (2012) Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization Journal of Black Studies, 43,
599-619.
Alastair, G., Hulme, D. and Turner, M. (2007) Challenging Global Inequality. Development Theory and Practice in the 21st Century. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, (hier: Chapter 8: Globalization and Inequality, pp. 162-185)
Booth, D. (2012) Aid Effectiveness: Bringing Country Ownership (and Politics) Back In. Conflict, Security & Development, 12, 537 - 558.
Browne, E. (2019) Gender norm, LGBTQI issues and development: a topic guide. ALiGN –Advancing learning and innovation on gender norms.
Dieye, A. (2020). An Islamic Model for Stabilization and Growth, Cham, Palgrave
Hendry, J. (2014) Science and Sustainability: Learning from Indigenous Wisdom, New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
Hernandez, A.M. (2021) SDG-aligned Futures and the Governance of Transformation to DIE Discussion Paper Series
Gabriel, M. et al. (2022) Towards a new enlightenment. The case for future-oriented humanities, Bielefeld: Transcript Verlag
Horner, R. & Hulme, (2017) From International to Global Development: New Geographies of 21st Century Development. Development and Change, 50, 347-378.
IDG (2023). Inner Development Goals: Background, method and the IDG framework. Stockholm: Inner Development Goals
Küpers, W. (2020) Queer(ing) Moves: Beyond anthropocene, toward convivial, sustainable futures, World Futures, 76(5-7), 287-313.
Lynch, K. (2022) Care and capitalism. Why affective equality matters for social justice. Cambrige: Polity Press. (chapters 1 and 2)
Moriggi, A., Soini, K., Franklin, A. & Roep D. (2020) A care-based approach to transformative change: Ethically-informed practices, relational response-ability and emotional awareness, Ethics, Policy & Environment 23(3), 281-298.
Morris and Gomez de la Torre; Igoe, Michael. “Devex Newswire: What It Will Actually Take to Decolonize Global Development.” Devex, May 11, 2021. https://www.devex.com/news/devex-newswire-what-it-will-actually-take-to-decolonize-global-development-99878.
Woods, N. (2008) Whose aid ? Whose influence ? China, emerging donors and the silent revolution in development assistance. International Affairs, 84, 1205-1221.
Sen, A. (1999) Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press
van Norren, D. (2022) African Ubuntu and Sustainable Development Goals: seeking human mutual relations and service in development. Third World Quarterly, 43, 2791-2810
References:
BRAND, U., MURACA, B., PINEAULT, É., SAHAKIAN, M., SCHAFFARTZIK, A., NOVY, A., STREISSLER, C., HABERL, H., ASARA, V., DIETZ, K., LANG, M., KOTHARI, A., SMITH, T., SPASH, C., BRAD, A., PICHLER, M., PLANK, C., VELEGRAKIS, G., JAHN, T., CARTER, A., HUAN, Q., KALLIS, G., ALIER, J. M., RIVA, G., SATGAR, V., MANTOVANI, E. T., WILLIAMS, M., WISSEN, M. & GÖRG, C. 2021. From planetary to societal boundaries: an argument for collectively defined self-limitation. Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy, 17, 264-291.
GABRIEL, M., HORN, C., KATSMAN, A., KRULL, W., LIPPOLD, A. L., PELLUCHON, C. & VENZKE, I. 2022. Towards a New Enlightenment. The Case for Future-Oriented Humanities, Bielefeld, Transcript Verlag.
GODREJ, F. 2016. Culture and difference. In: GABRIELSON, T., HALL, C., MEYER, J., M. & SCHLOSBERG, D. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Environmental Political Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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| Bemerkung |
Global Development in the Polycrisis – Current Issues and Novel Approaches
(Globale Entwicklung in der Polykrise – Aktuelle Themen und neue Ansätze)
Zoom: https://uni-due.zoom-x.de/j/65462214595?pwd=882lJHj4IOuCP4Bm3WNBgxkl5ND6ko.1
Password: 218401
Contact Details: PD Dr Dr Ariel Hernandez, ariel.hernandez@giga-hamburg.de
LinkedIn: Ariel Macaspac Hernández | LinkedIn
Website: http://www.dr-ariel-hernandez.com
In the face of multiple interconnected crises—collectively known as the polycrisis— critiques of international development policies are growing increasingly vocal. Critics are questioning the effectiveness of foreign aid, development assistance and development cooperation as reliable instruments for ensuring the well-being of humanity and the planet (Gabriel et al., 2022, Brand et al., 2021). The polycrisis has exposed the limitations of Western anthropocentrism and instrumentalism, which perpetuate several binaries and dichotomies inherent in the "civilizational" approach (Godrej, 2016). As a result, there is a pressing need for alternative perspectives that transcend Western-centric and purely technocratic approaches to development.
This seminar seeks to revisit, reimagine and reshape international development policies by exploring how alternative conceptions and practices can effectively the polycrisis. The seminar will achieve this aim through the following three steps:
1) Vision - Reimagining international development by incorporating bodies of knowledge beyond Western ideation, such as indigenous wisdom and non-Western development outlooks.
2) Barriers – Assessing the current limitations of international development, with a focus on power dynamics, dominance structures and path dependencies in consensual knowledge and multilateralism.
3) Actions – Developing policy recommendations for advancing international development policies
Throughout the seminar, students will enhance their critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of diverse concepts and practices in international development. They will also learn to critically and analytically engage with international development discourse, exploring its various theoretical approaches and related practices.
Requirements and Organization of Course:
The course is open to students of MA Internationale Beziehungen und Entwicklungspolitik as well as MA Development and Governance.
To achieve the course objectives, students are expected to attend regularly, read the assigned texts, and actively participate in each session. Since every session includes a discussion of the readings, thorough preparation is essential. The required readings are clearly identified below and are accessible via the Moodle platform. Access to Moodle will require a password, which will be provided during the first meeting.
The main assessment for this course will be an individually composed policy paper (five pages) as well as a group presentation. To support the development of the policy paper, students will be divided into thematic groups. Detailed guidelines regarding the format of the policy papers and class presentations will be provided during the course.
The course will be conducted in a hybrid format, incorporating both online and in-person sessions. Additionally, the course will be organized into blocks, as outlined in the schedule below.
The compulsory reading materials are available in the moodle platform.
Lecturer’s contact details:
Per appointment only via zoom or MS Teams
Email: ariel.hernandez@giga-hamburg.de
Website: www.dr-ariel-hernandez.com
Schedule:
24 October 2025, Friday, 14-18 (online)
Introduction
Paradigms of Global Development Cooperation
Compulsory reading:
Bracho, G. at al. (2021) Origins, Evolution and Future of Global Development Cooperation. The Role of the Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Bonn: Deutsches Institut für Entwicklungspolitik/ German Development Institute (here: pp. 11-66)
Carbonnier, G. & Sumner, A. (2012) Refraiming aid in a world where the poor live in emerging economies, in: Carbonnier, G. (ed.) International Development Policy: Aid, Emerging Economies and Global Policies, Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 3-18.
Horner, R. (2019) Towards a new paradigm of global development? Beyond the limits of international development. Progress in Human Geography, 44, 415-436.
7 November 2025, Friday, 14-18 (online)
Alternative Visions of Global Development Policies
Compulsory reading:
Schildberg, C. (2014) A caring and sustainable economy: A concept note from a feminist International Policy Analysis, 1-13
Miner, M. & Dowson, M. (2023) Chapter 1 – Spirituality as key resource for human flourishing, in: Miner, M., Dowson, M. & Devenish, S. (eds.) Beyond well-being. Spirituality and human flourishing. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing, pp. 5-32.
Mwipikeni, P. (2018) Ubuntu and the modern society, South African Journal of Philosophy, 37:3, 322-334
5 December 2025, Friday, Block, 9-16:00, LK 063
Barriers to Equitable International Development
Group Presentations
Compulsory reading:
Alden, C., Large, D. and Mendez, A. (2020) The Western Way of Development: A Critical Review, in New Development Assistance. Emerging Economies and the New Landscape of Development Assistance, Yijia Jing, Alvaro Mendez and Zu Zheng (editors), Palgrave
Macmillan, Singapore, pp. 19-38.
Akena, F. A. (2012) Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization Journal of Black Studies, 43, 599-619.
16 January 2026, Friday, Block, 9-16:00, LK 063
Futures Scenarios Exercise (Zukunftswerkstatt) /LEGO Serious Play
Compulsory reading:
Bello-Bravo, J. (2019) When is indigeneity: closing a legal and sociocultural gap in a contested domestic/international term. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 15.
Hughes, I., Hernandez, A., Glynn, J., Hynes, W., and Gallachór, B. (2024), Conceptualising Global Cultural Transformation – Developing Deep Institutional Scenarios for Whole of Society Change, Environmental Research Letters
Recommended Literature:
Alden, C., Large, D. and Mendez, A. (2020) The Western Way of Development: A Critical Review, in New Development Assistance. Emerging Economies and the New Landscape of Development Assistance, Yijia Jing, Alvaro Mendez and Zu Zheng (editors), Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore, pp. 19-38.
Akena, F. A. (2012) Critical Analysis of the Production of Western Knowledge and Its Implications for Indigenous Knowledge and Decolonization Journal of Black Studies, 43,
599-619.
Alastair, G., Hulme, D. and Turner, M. (2007) Challenging Global Inequality. Development Theory and Practice in the 21st Century. Palgrave Macmillan, New York, (hier: Chapter 8: Globalization and Inequality, pp. 162-185)
Booth, D. (2012) Aid Effectiveness: Bringing Country Ownership (and Politics) Back In. Conflict, Security & Development, 12, 537 - 558.
Browne, E. (2019) Gender norm, LGBTQI issues and development: a topic guide. ALiGN –Advancing learning and innovation on gender norms.
Dieye, A. (2020). An Islamic Model for Stabilization and Growth, Cham, Palgrave
Hendry, J. (2014) Science and Sustainability: Learning from Indigenous Wisdom, New York, Palgrave Macmillan.
Hernandez, A.M. (2021) SDG-aligned Futures and the Governance of Transformation to DIE Discussion Paper Series
Gabriel, M. et al. (2022) Towards a new enlightenment. The case for future-oriented humanities, Bielefeld: Transcript Verlag
Horner, R. & Hulme, (2017) From International to Global Development: New Geographies of 21st Century Development. Development and Change, 50, 347-378.
IDG (2023). Inner Development Goals: Background, method and the IDG framework. Stockholm: Inner Development Goals
Küpers, W. (2020) Queer(ing) Moves: Beyond anthropocene, toward convivial, sustainable futures, World Futures, 76(5-7), 287-313.
Lynch, K. (2022) Care and capitalism. Why affective equality matters for social justice. Cambrige: Polity Press. (chapters 1 and 2)
Moriggi, A., Soini, K., Franklin, A. & Roep D. (2020) A care-based approach to transformative change: Ethically-informed practices, relational response-ability and emotional awareness, Ethics, Policy & Environment 23(3), 281-298.
Morris and Gomez de la Torre; Igoe, Michael. “Devex Newswire: What It Will Actually Take to Decolonize Global Development.” Devex, May 11, 2021. https://www.devex.com/news/devex-newswire-what-it-will-actually-take-to-decolonize-global-development-99878.
Woods, N. (2008) Whose aid ? Whose influence ? China, emerging donors and the silent revolution in development assistance. International Affairs, 84, 1205-1221.
Sen, A. (1999) Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press
van Norren, D. (2022) African Ubuntu and Sustainable Development Goals: seeking human mutual relations and service in development. Third World Quarterly, 43, 2791-2810
References:
BRAND, U., MURACA, B., PINEAULT, É., SAHAKIAN, M., SCHAFFARTZIK, A., NOVY, A., STREISSLER, C., HABERL, H., ASARA, V., DIETZ, K., LANG, M., KOTHARI, A., SMITH, T., SPASH, C., BRAD, A., PICHLER, M., PLANK, C., VELEGRAKIS, G., JAHN, T., CARTER, A., HUAN, Q., KALLIS, G., ALIER, J. M., RIVA, G., SATGAR, V., MANTOVANI, E. T., WILLIAMS, M., WISSEN, M. & GÖRG, C. 2021. From planetary to societal boundaries: an argument for collectively defined self-limitation. Sustainability: Science, Practice, and Policy, 17, 264-291.
GABRIEL, M., HORN, C., KATSMAN, A., KRULL, W., LIPPOLD, A. L., PELLUCHON, C. & VENZKE, I. 2022. Towards a New Enlightenment. The Case for Future-Oriented Humanities, Bielefeld, Transcript Verlag.
GODREJ, F. 2016. Culture and difference. In: GABRIELSON, T., HALL, C., MEYER, J., M. & SCHLOSBERG, D. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Environmental Political Theory. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
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