North/South Reflections

Abstract

This three-part response argues that the Brandt report represents an attempt to perpetuate structures of unequal exploitation of the ‘have-nots’ by the ‘haves’, seeking to sustain the pattern of exponential industrial growth so stabilising contemporary political and social structures in the short-term at the expense of long-term catastrophic breakdown. Brandt tends to ignore the East/West split and its causes, so perpetuating the arms race. The financial and developmental problems addressed by Brandt, like ideological polarisation and escalating armament, are seen to represent an intensification of the anxiety-defences of the world system. This is a level of analysis which Brandt does not reach.