The G20 development consensus: an African perspective

Abstract

In critical theoretical paradigms, serious commitment to the concept of development as a tool for social change epitomises or intimates an alternative to the dominant ideologies and paradigms born out of economic liberalism, blamed for the existence of affluent centres and poverty-stricken peripheries in the world system. In development policy, these paradigms are also known as the Washington Consensus, which is a bone of contention with liberals proclaiming its triumph after the collapse of the Communist bloc, and critical theorists declaring that the world is ripe for an alternative to the neoliberal consensus. For this reason many, especially in the developing world and in Africa, have been anticipating the birth of a post-Washington consensus. The announcement in November 2010 of the Seoul Development Consensus by the G20, a group of 20 significant economies bridging the North–South divide, has raised hopes that this influential network has begun to think about an alternative policy consensus and paradigm. This article assesses, on the basis of a critical analysis of available documents, whether indeed the Seoul Consensus is a post-Washington consensus.