In the loaded decolonization discourse — and any justice-seeking effort — let us authentically engage, broadly, using strategies and tactics that will produce real change. An internet search for “fight, flight, or freeze” yields millions of hits. …

When coined 20 years ago, the phrase “Death by PowerPoint” struck a collective nerve — and still does, 128 million Google hits later. Poignant essays and scientific evidence decry its misuse, citing boredom, wasted time, missed opportunities, resentment. …

Here's the related Scientific American article in case you haven't seen it. They dismiss the Blackfoot story--you should contact them! https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/who-created-maslows-iconic-pyramid/

Great article Ms. Luseka. It demonstrates the need to look space by space, sector by sector, and recognize that non-Western knowledge and even ways of seeing are virtually invisible. This alone represents narrow vision and missed opportunities. But when you factor in that the invisible people in this equation are the ones whose lives are being tinkered with, either directly or secondarily...well then its disrespectful, harmful' and a moral failing.

What a rich and thoughtful article. So much to work through. I just published an article on the same topic--so of course, I am right with you!. Thank you so much! Ann https://www.cdacollaborative.org/blog/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-and-supremacy-neo-colonialism-and-international-development/

Anna--Speaking of complexity: 14 insightful and interconnected and contextually responsive "BEW" (love that). Much of development is more wishful than the scientific jargon would indicate. I just published an article that speaks to point #7 -- one idea on how we justify that. Thanks for this rich piece. https://www.cdacollaborative.org/blog/maslows-hierarchy-of-needs-and-supremacy-neo-colonialism-and-international-development/

Your voice, ideas, and energy can take global development to a better place. Thirty years ago, as a freshly returned Peace Corps volunteer inspired by my missionary doctor grandparents, I took my first job fighting global poverty. As is true for many who go into international development, the work felt…

After 30+ years working in international development, I decided to no longer accept systems of “aid” that undermine the dignity of individuals and communities. Oftentimes, well-meaning projects actually interfere with people’s abilities to sustainably identify and meet their own needs. …