“Peet's survey of development theories makes for eminent reading, especially since it weaves philosophical underpinnings in a coherent fashion and provides cogent criticism of each approach. I can see it being used as a valuable text for undergraduate and graduate courses related to development planning.”

—Journal of the American Planning Association (on the first edition)


“Theories of Development, Third Edition, is as far reaching, widely referenced, and penetrating as its predecessors. The book has been updated with the work of Piketty, Ferguson, Escobar, and others, as well as strengthened argumentation throughout. Perhaps it is ironic to say this book has kept pace with global crisis. This is an ideal text for upper-level undergraduate and graduate programs in geography, international and development studies, and other social sciences focusing on social change. Beginning doctoral students will find the book useful for situating their own research in a wider context of social theory.”

—Piers Blaikie, PhD, Professor Emeritus, School of International Development, University of East Anglia, United Kingdom


“Comprehensive, critical and accessible. This is the ideal text for graduate seminars and advanced undergraduate courses on development, in the fields of geography, development studies, sociology, political economy and (it is to be hoped!) economics. I have used earlier editions of this text in my graduate seminars for years. The third edition has been thoroughly revised and updated and includes critical assessments of many current debates. I look forward to using this book in classes and recommending it as a go-to reference.”

—Tom Perreault, PhD, Department of Geography, Syracuse University


“Theories of Development, Third Edition, is a rare text covering the entire range of arguments, from classical and neoclassical economics to poststructuralism and feminism. The authors mount a devastating critique of mainstream economics, exposing its utterly contrived assumptions as well as its devastating consequences, especially for poorer people. But this is also an inspiring book, with a conclusion focused on alternative theories within a politics of a true democracy. A tour de force—read it to be outraged and then to find hope.”

—Robin Broad, PhD, International Development Program, School of International Service, American University


“Peet and Hartwick provide both breadth and depth in their presentation of competing theories of development. They offer critical insights on the roots and dynamics of the north-south divide in contemporary world societies. Speaking to both larger global and structural patterns and the characteristics of individual cases, the book enables a thorough understanding of development and an analysis of meaningful data and trends. Students will benefit from the comprehensive approach grounded in historical context. This book makes a valuable contribution to contemporary discussions of development policy, neoliberalism, and the challenges of poverty and global inequality in multiple forms.”

—Stephen J. Scanlan, PhD, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Ohio University


“The third edition not only provides a comprehensive review of development theories, but also critiques them boldly, arguing that we need to fundamentally rethink the development project. This text offers a powerful indictment of global inequality and will be excellent for fostering provocative and engaging classroom discussion in upper-division undergraduate and graduate courses.”

—Kate Swanson, PhD, Department of Geography, San Diego State University