There is a wealth of published material which analyzes large-scale international development plans and policies. This collection shifts the focus away from this to examine the conflicts and realities of development at a local, empirical level. It provides a series of

case studies which illuminates the attitudes and actions of those involved in local development.

The material is drawn from Southern and Eastern Europe, Asia and Africa. All the contributors use rigorous anthropological methods of analysis to shed light on the place of personal

sentiment and identity in reactions to planned development schemes. In a world where direct action and public protest are routine responses to local development plans, they show how protesters, developers and politicians often hold very different fundamental views about the environment,

society, government and development which go beyond partisan economic and political interests.