The colonial legacy of development between development and the self-determination of indigenous peoples. A poststructuralist critique from Latin America
The colonial legacy of development between development and the self-determination of indigenous peoples. A poststructuralist critique from Latin America
Date
2024
Authors
Garmendia Albizu. Eider
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Abstract
In an ever more globalising era, where traditional economic and development paradigms are being
constantly contested, and indigenous resistance movements are making their way to the headlines, we need to ask
ourselves: are we doing enough? Taking the poststructuralist theory as the anchor, this study delves into the critical
intersection between indigenous self-determination and development theories. Exploring the colonial history on
which development is grounded, this paper will discover the consequences it still has for the autonomy and selfdetermination
of the indigenous peoples in Latin-America. Through the analysis of three case studies of indigenous
movements: the Zapatista, the Mapuche, and the Afro-Colombian movements, this research unravels the non-
Western perspectives towards development. In this way, highlighting the existence and validity of more holistic
and comprehensive understandings of well-being and dignity, this thesis will provide a robust framework to rethink
the ideas of universality we take for granted, especially around development. It will enable us to see that no, we
are not doing enough indeed.
KEY WORDS
Development, postdevelopment, poststructuralism, indigenous resistance movements, indigenous selfdetermination.
Description
Second semester University: University College Dublin
Keywords
indigenous peoples,
self-determination,
development,
Latin America,
postcolonialism