Paper short abstract:

In this project a Mundellian “development trilemma” is proposed by the author as a globalization conundrum and an impossible trinity, in order to describe three elements of “development” running afoul with each other and deteriorated into a vicious circle, occasioned in a Southwest China development case.

Paper long abstract:

In this project a Mundellian "development trilemma" is proposed by the author as a globalization conundrum and an impossible trinity, in order to describe three elements of "development" running afoul with each other and deteriorated into a vicious circle, occasioned in a Southwest China development case. A: development paradigm based on infinite growth and material abundance -- a free flow of "modernity", fluid modernity and a "civilized juggernaut". B: prosperity accessible to all and one "fluid" development/modernity paradigm fits all - "development by the people, for the people and of the people"; an ever-lasting exchange process between nature resources and artificial knowledge concoction. C: nature conservancy and continuity of cultural heritage -- a "stateless" global village where miscellaneous cultures converge and intermingle versus a myriad of "sovereign tribes" where culture "fossilized" and encrusted by incremental development sugar coat (a sovereign ethno-cultural continuity). Out of these liquid 'trilemma', the ignoledge should be treated as darkening light and concealed alētheia when memory persists and time melts, turning lithe, supple and fluid-like: as powerfully captured by Salvador Dali in his La persistencia de la memoria.