International comparisons of income levels and growth rates

Development literature contains the hypothesis that middle income countries grow faster than other countries. This proposition has been related to a second hypothesis of stages and rates of growth, as well as to an ‘automatic mechanism’ for the reduction of international income disparities. This article examines the relevant evidence and finds the propositions unsupported by either theory or empirical data.     

Informating policy and administration a comparative perspective on terrorism

The cliche that ‘one man's terroirist is another man' freedom fighter’ represents the major dilemma of anti-terrorism policymakers and administrators. The conceptual confusion is further complicated by the ideological orientations and policy interests of the observers. The comparative study of terrorism, however, has provided a conceptual underpinning and does provide the tools for sorting out the biases. This article compares the six principal models of political terrorism and suggests that each in fact describes a distinct form of political violence depending upon the perspective of the observer. Each of the forms of terrorism, moreover, may require a unique set of remedies. Using the widely publicized TWA bijacking during the summer of 1985 as an example, the analysis examines the differences in the American, Israeli, and Lebanese government perspectives and how those differences influenced policymaking.     

Linguistique africaine: De la science exacte à la science morale

During the 2008 Ghanaian election, the threat of violence in northern Ghana, due to an unresolved chieftaincy dispute in the Dagbon Traditional Area, brought the city of Tamale to the brink of widespread conflict. The dispute divided communities on the basis of religion, familial ties, and partisan affiliation. With high stakes, even higher tensions, and party supporters on both sides organized and armed. This article blends interviews and observations in order to explore what occurred during the election and, more importantly, what did not. While the end result diffused the mounting tensions, the underlying factors that brought the community so close to the brink remain. Moving forward, underdevelopment and conflict in the north must be addressed in order to ensure peace and stability in the Dagomba Kingdom and throughout the country.     

Congregational Aid: North American Protestant Engagement in International Relief and Development

A review of large North American Protestant congregations (n = 423) engaging in global relief and development, or ‘holistic mission’ (HM), suggests that half engage in HM activities per year, with the majority of those activities focused on human and physical sectors. Most activities are led by religious NGOs or missionaries and about half are short-term. A mix of proximity, poverty, population, and policy variables direct short- and long-term aid. Findings provide a benchmark for enhancing learning and partnerships among churches, NGOs, and development scholars, ultimately enhancing the efficacy of Protestant aid.