State Plays Several Roles in Development

For the short answer, you will be required to respond within 150-250 words per question.
You should draw on lectures, readings, and sections to answer (no “independent
research” required for this part).
Question 1: Is geography destiny? Does it account for why Europeans were successful at
colonial conquest? Does geography determine the fate of civilizations today? Cite two or three
examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 2: How have institutions shaped development? Why are institutions so difficult to
change? Cite two or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 3: What is the relationship between colonization and development? Does colonization
continue today? Cite two or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 4: What does Sen mean when he says, “Development [is] freedom?” Using your
interpretation of Sen’s thesis, would you say that capitalism leads to development or not? Cite
two or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 5: Is Rostow’s 5th Stage the ideal for development? Why or why not? Cite two or
three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 6: How were the Asian Tigers able to achieve development goals in one generation—
essentially one lifetime? Can their success be replicated in other developing countries, cities,
or communities? Why or why not? Cite two or three examples from lectures, readings or
sections.
Question 7: What is aid meant to replace in developing countries? Can aid (bilateral,
multilateral, or private) help developing countries achieve development status and goals? Why
or why not? Cite two or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 8: “Development does not happen in a vacuum.” Do you agree or disagree with this
statement—and why? Cite two or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 9: What is the role of the state in development? Answer citing two or three examples
from lectures, readings or sections.
Question 10: What is the middle-income trap and why is it hard to escape? Answer citing two
or three examples from lectures, readings or sections.