Development Theory and Development Policy

One constant characteristic of the synoptic approach of the Freiburg School of political science founded by Arnold Bergstraesser has been the link between basic and applied research. The backbone of any serious applied research and political consultancy is knowledge, know-how and experience, which can only be acquired in the course of solid basic research. Thus, discussions of political theory have always given rise to practical concerns about development, and the preoccupation with specific problems of development policy is scarcely conceivable without recourse to theory. It is impossible to analyse political processes, including development problems in countries of the South, without knowledge of their nature, i.e. of the history, cultures, languages and religions involved. Case studies, in particular comparative studies, evaluations and sectoral consultancies, are only possible against the background of a thorough understanding of holistic social change.

This field of research has three focal points:

Administration
Since its foundation, the manner in which the state executes its public responsibilities has been one of the ABI's leading fields of research. Administration is not viewed primarily as a rational instrument for providing performance but rather as a political actor in its own right that seeking the status and trappings of privilege. In this context, traditional cultural behaviour patterns often play a crucial role. In the meantime, the literature and discussion on development policy have come to treat state modernization and administrative reforms as both prerequisite and objective of development cooperation (good governance).

Decentralization

The postulate of greater political and administrative decentralization in the structures of state is based on the insight that in most countries of the South centralized, authoritarian systems are harmful rather than helpful for development. Decentralization involves both strengthening local opportunities of participation and vertically redistributing government responsibilities in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity. Consequently, decentralization is a vector for democratization on the one hand and a field to agitate for the effective provision of public services for the local population on the other.

Education
In the early decades of development aid, education was regarded as the key to development. Education and economic development go hand in hand: education seems to be a necessary condition for economic growth and progress. In the countries of the third world, education or access to education is often a source of conflict. On the other hand, there is mounting evidence that education strengthens people's democratic attitudes. Accordingly, promoting education is a decisive component of democracy promotion.