This course explores contemporary global governance in practice, using case studies about the work of Multilateral Development Banks, like the World Bank and other regional development banks. Organisations like the World Bank have the potential to set the agenda for international development assistance, and traditionally have done so. However, geo-political changes at the start of the “Asian Century” are now leading to new and competing sources of development knowledge and finance. In this context, we explore the ideas, tools and policies that are typically used by Multilateral Development Banks to guide their operations and exert influence, including: the Sustainable Development Goals; loans for infrastructure; country-level reform packages; mechanisms for securing global public goods like biodiversity; rising private sector engagements; safeguards and grievance mechanisms; and development indicators. We explore the power, efficacy and limitations of these global governance practices, revealing: (i) the social construction and political nature of global expertise; and (ii) how institutions like the World Bank are not monolithic, but are often subject to internal contestation and practical limitations, as they confront a wide variety of complex, real-world problems. This course is suitable for students of Public Policy, International Relations, Development Studies and Anthropology.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate and explain the role and significance of Multilateral Development Banks as global development institutions.
- Examine and critically analyse, in a practical and ethnographic way, Multilateral Development Banks and their influence in developing country contexts.
- Contribute to public debate about the potential future role of Multilateral Development Banks for human development and sustainability this century.
- Critically analyse the language, discourse and practices of Multilateral Development Banks.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the political nature of policy and policy documents.
Indicative Assessment
- Critical discourse analysis (1250 words) (30) [LO 1,2,4]
- Group statement (2000 words) (20) [LO 3]
- Short presentation (5-7 minutes., highlighting 1-3 key findings) (10) [LO 1,2,3,4,5]
- Country case study (2500 words) (40) [LO 1,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
Prescribed Texts
Use will be made of a variety of documents produced by the World bank and other Multilateral Development Banks (MDB), available online. In addition, students will be directed to read extracts from other publications containing critical discussions of World Bank and other MDB policies, procedures and practices, e.g.
Goldman, M., 2005. Imperial Nature: The World Bank and Struggles for Social Justice in the Age of Globalization. New Haven: Yale University Press.
Engle Merry, S. 2011 "Measuring the World: Indicators, Human Rights, and Global Governance" Current Anthropology 52, no. S3
Preliminary Reading
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
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