Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects
Date of Degree
6-2025
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Liberal Studies
Advisor
Anna Akasoy
Subject Categories
Environmental Studies | Social Justice
Keywords
international development, climate adaptation, postcolonialism, Indigenous rights, language
Abstract
The purpose of this thesis is to better understand the impact of locally led development activities on local populations. The focus of this thesis is on climate mitigation and adaptation activities in Central America led by international donor organizations such as USAID. The research consists of an in-depth review of existing literature and analysis from the fields of environmental justice, political ecology, postcolonial studies, and Indigenous Studies. This is accompanied by a case study analysis of various development projects in Guatemala and Honduras, as well as auto-ethnographic observations. In addition, this thesis analyzes the power and impact of language and translation in facilitating and complicating locally led development activities. The implications of this argument challenge the idea of locally led development from a postcolonial lens, with a focus on the rights and representation of Indigenous communities.
Recommended Citation
Altomare, Alexandra, "The Language of Development: A Case Study Analysis of Climate Development in Central America" (2025). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/gc_etds/6286
