What is a "Developed" Country? Crash Course Geography #40

Summary

This Crash Course Geography episode delves into the complexities of development in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), a region rich in oil but with uneven wealth distribution. It challenges the Eurocentric view of development, rooted in colonial history, and critiques the focus on economic growth at the expense of social and environmental well-being. The video explores alternative metrics for development, such as the Human Development Index and Gross National Happiness, advocating for a broader, more inclusive understanding of what it means to be developed.

Takeaways

• 🛢️ The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region is rich in oil, holding at least 113.2 billion metric tons, but this wealth is unevenly distributed.
• 🏛️ MENA was home to powerful empires and influential schools of thought even before oil became a significant resource.
• 🌍 The concept of 'development' is complex and has evolved over time, heavily influenced by European colonialism.
• 💰 Traditionally, development was seen through an economic lens, with developed countries often being former colonizers.
• 📉 Economic development metrics like GDP have limitations, failing to capture quality of life or social health.
• 🛠️ Post-colonialism critiques Eurocentric views of development, advocating for a broader understanding that includes social and environmental factors.
• 👩‍⚕️ The Human Development Index (HDI) and Gender Inequality Index offer alternative ways to measure development beyond economics.
• 🌱 Development organizations are rethinking how to encourage economic growth, especially in regions with young populations like MENA.
• 🔄 The traditional economic model is being questioned, especially in light of climate change and the lingering effects of colonialism.
• 👥 It's crucial to put people first in development, recognizing multiple valid ways for a country to be developed, and to consider the stories we tell about development.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'black gold' in the context of the Middle East and North Africa?

The term 'black gold' refers to oil, which is abundant in the Middle East and North Africa, with at least 113.2 billion metric tons beneath the region. This resource has been a significant factor in the region's wealth and geopolitical power.

How has the distribution of oil wealth in the Middle East and North Africa influenced the perception of power in the region?

The uneven distribution of oil wealth has led to a disparity in the perception of power among countries within the Middle East and North Africa. Some countries like the United Arab Emirates have become economically powerful due to their oil reserves, while others have not experienced the same level of wealth and influence.

What role has geography played in shaping the historical power and wealth of the Middle East and North Africa?

Geography has played a crucial role by providing the region with valuable resources like oil and strategic locations for trade. This has allowed some countries to amass wealth and power, even before the modern era of oil dependency.

How has the concept of 'development' evolved over time, as discussed in the script?

The concept of 'development' has evolved from being primarily associated with economic growth and industrialization to a more nuanced understanding that includes political, social, and environmental factors. It has moved away from Eurocentric views and now encompasses a broader range of indicators beyond GDP.

What is the historical connection between the term 'development' and European colonialism?

The term 'development' has historical ties to European colonialism, where colonizers used it to describe their colonies as 'backward' compared to their 'modern' or 'advanced' home countries, thereby justifying the extraction of resources.

Why did the terms '1st world', '2nd world', and '3rd world' fall out of favor in describing countries?

These terms, which were political and economic descriptors during the Cold War, became outdated in a post-Cold War world. They also carried connotations of inferiority for non-white populations and were tied to problematic colonial narratives.

How does the script suggest that economic development is not the only measure of a country's progress?

The script suggests that economic development is not the only measure by highlighting alternative metrics such as the Human Development Index, Gender Inequality Index, and Gross National Happiness, which consider factors like education, healthcare, gender equality, and overall quality of life.

What are some of the challenges faced by countries like Lebanon in terms of economic development despite having natural resources?

Despite having natural resources, countries like Lebanon face challenges in economic development due to political instability, the lingering effects of colonial past, and the need to overcome economic setbacks, which have hindered their ability to capitalize on their resources.

How does the script argue that the way we define 'development' can impact global economic practices and policies?

The script argues that defining 'development' primarily in economic terms can reinforce wealth disparities and perpetuate colonial narratives. It suggests that a broader definition that includes social, political, and environmental factors can lead to more equitable global economic practices and policies.

What alternative approaches to development are mentioned in the script, and how might they impact the Middle East and North Africa?

The script mentions rethinking how development is encouraged in the Middle East and North Africa by managing the region as an economic whole and international investments in infrastructure without the need for loans. These approaches could lead to more sustainable and equitable economic growth.