Gustavo Lins Ribeiro
gustavor@unb.br
Universidade de Brasilia (Brasil)

Abstract:

“Development” is the economic expansion in love with itself. This means that we need to know the belief system that lies beneath this devotion, as well as the characteristics of the power field that sustains it. The structure and dynamic of each development area are marked by different power and interest capacities that are articulated through historical processes of network structuring. “Development” includes different visions and political positions, varying from the interest in accumulating economical and political power to and emphasis on redistribution and equality. Consequently, fights are common among the players, inside institutions and among them. This article also discusses development as a utopian ideology, whose universalistic pretension is problematic.

Keywords: development, power, ideologies, contemporary utopias.