ABSTRACT
In both international relations and development thinking the time is ripe for complexity. Complexity conceptualises development as a multi-faceted, nonlinear, adaptive and ongoing process. Using complexity, this chapter discusses the need to centralise decision-making in the aftermath of international 'shock' events and argues that centralisation is only capable of dealing with simple shocks and cannot handle more complex situations such as 'war on terror'. It provides a fascinating study of the process of political decision-making centralisation in the aftermath of the events of 11 September and argues that this process is founded on a traditional orderly view of politics and society. The chapter argues that despite unprecedented economic resources and intellectual efforts, the universal 'one-size-fits-all' linear approach to development theory of the post-World War II period has not accelerated the 'catch-up' process or even narrowed the economic gap between the First and Third Worlds.
