Orientalism Revisited: A Critique of Western Discourses of Non-Western Development through the Postcolonial, Subaltern and Marxist Frames

Abstract

This paper offers a critical examination of the intersection between Edward Said's concept of Orientalism and Western perceptions of development in Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa (MENA). Through a qualitative textual analysis of key literature in Orientalism and development studies, this research deconstructs the prevailing discourses that sustain Western-centric views of development in these regions. Drawing on Said's foundational work, Orientalism (1978), this study identifies and interrogates the power dynamics, stereotypes, and cultural essentialisms that inform Western representations of development in Asia and the MENA region. Employing a critical discourse analysis (CDA) approach, the research scrutinizes a corpus of texts—including academic articles, policy documents, and literary works—to address the central arguments and key assumptions of Orientalism. The analysis focuses on narratives that reinforce Orientalist tropes, marginalize indigenous perspectives, and legitimize Western dominance in development discourse. By juxtaposing Western development narratives with counter-narratives, this study reveals the epistemological tensions and power asymmetries that shape development policies and perceptions. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between Orientalism and Western perceptions of development, underscoring the need for decolonial and inclusive approaches.