The Colombo Plan
Development Internationalism in Cold War Asia

Lowe argues that the Colombo plan provided for new, experimental forms of foreign relations during the 1950s and early 1960s.

David Lowe (Author)

9781009600736, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 2 October 2025

320 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2.4 cm, 0.62 kg

'… a superb scholarly history of this regional development plan … The book makes a persuasive case for remembering an unusually productive diplomatic environment for developmental internationalism in postwar Asia. Given recent international developments involving the unashamed use of military force by powers such as Russia and the United States, determined on expansionism, it is timely indeed. The Colombo Plan is also a reminder that the history of 'Australia in the world' is much more complex and interesting than a survey of our changing relations with Britain and America. The Colombo Plan deserves a wide readership, not only in DFAT and academic circles, but among journalists and others who like to frequent writers' festivals.' Marilyn Lake, Australian Book Review

Conceived in 1950, the Colombo Plan for Co-operative Development in South and Southeast Asia was a unique experiment in foreign relations. Meeting annually across what we now know as the 'Indo-Pacific', talented administrators facilitated foreign aid provision, and promoted development fuelled state-making, internationalism and experimental regionalism across postwar Asia. David Lowe argues that this new setting and dynamic international cast created an unusually productive diplomatic environment of development internationalism. The Colombo Plan did not escape power politics or Cold War divisions. However, it did run according to its own rhythm, and, unlike other experiments, it endured, continuing today in much reduced form.

Introduction
1. A 'miniature United Nations' at Colombo, 1950
2. Experimental regionalism
3. Flexibility, with limits
4. States, sovereignty and story
5. So much useful work at so small a cost
6. Projecting the plan
Coda: partial remembering
Bibliography
Index.

Subject Areas: General & world history [HBG]