The colonial legacy of development between development and the self-determination of indigenous peoples. A poststructuralist critique from Latin America

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.