This book examines the function of culture and power in development praxis, by comparing the views of development workers in Cambodia and the Philippines with post-development theory and the participation approach to development. It explores whether development is culturally destructive, whether the current paradigm can deliver effective results, and what effect power relations have on these outcomes. Contrary to post-development claims, this book reveals that participatory development fosters cultural liberty by reinforcing collaborative cultural traits and strengthening communities to make...

Despite Timor-Leste's high expectations when it became independent from Indonesia in 2002, the country is ranked among the least developed countries in the world. It has found itself at the centre of international attention in the last decade, with one of the biggest interventions in UN history, as well as receiving amongst the highest per capita rates of bilateral assistance in the Asia-Pacific region.

This book draws together the perspectives of practitioners, policy-makers and academics on the international efforts to rebuild one of the world's newest nations. The contributors...