Parallel Worlds: Comparing Rural Development to Development in Global Communities

Abstract

This paper examines the parallels between economic development for developing countries at the international levels and rural communities, such as Appalachia, within a developed nation. Specifically, this paper provides a comparative analysis between rural communities and their relationship within the national framework (including the narratives, stereotypes and assumptions that are fostered when discussing these communities) and developing countries that are attempting to engage at the international level. Among the issues that this paper will examine is whether, some international human rights frameworks (including a rights-based approach to development and the right to development under international human rights law) can be used to create a positive, cohesive framework that allows for Appalachians to have more of a voice when engaging on the national level. Other issues this paper will examine include: the use of the UN’s sustainable development goals as a common baseline to measure development within Appalachia, specifically within the context of poverty, health, gender equality and infrastructure. The authors use these findings to discuss best practices that Appalachian scholars can draw upon using an international development framework.

Keywords: Appalachia, East Africa, development, development models, development theory, economic markers, human rights, sustainability, United Nationals Sustainable Development Goals

JEL Classification: O1