Promises Not Kept: Poverty and The Betrayal of Third World Development

by John Isbister

* Updates include discussion of major initiatives such as the Millennial Development Goals, (MDG) to eliminate global poverty
* Examines changes in international politics and approaches to global terrorism following the US-led military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq
* Extensively revised facts and figures

The seventh edition of this perennial stalwart of the Kumarian Press list continues the discussion of the “new American hegemony” and the “war on terror” that began with the previous edition. In particular, Isbister addresses changes in international politics and the impact on the global order of the US-led military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The author also focuses on major initiatives, such as the UN’s Millennium Development Goals, to confront the issue of world poverty. As with all editions of this vibrant text, Isbister writes with clarity and passion, not only about failed promises, but about hope, human potential, and the belief that a just and equitable world system is attainable.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Academic

272 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2006

Reviews

[Samara Link]

A little dry for the reading, but it sends an important, potent message about the life of poverty in the third world and the impact on them via international politics and unkept promises from developed nations. Very telling.

[K]

I think this book serves as a good general overview. It draws from many third party sources and serves as an aggregation of thoughts on the subject. I expected some additional analysis but this would be a good entry level book on economic development in emerging markets and entry level post colonial challenges they face.

[Skylanth]

Required reading for a class at UC Santa Cruz. The book was written by the professor, and was often called "Promises Not Read". One may be able to guess why.