The term development does not necessarily imply the existence of
external influence. Theoretically, development can be internally driven or externally
motivated. In our age, however, it has become almost impossible to
achieve sound and sustainable development without effectively coping with and
integrating into the global system. Development now carries almost the same
meaning as “catching up with industrial countries” or “modernization through
trade, FDI, and industrialization.” From a long historical viewpoint, this is a
very special type of development. But we can hardly think of any other way.
Whether desirable or not, this is the reality we face today.