Development is the process of reaching a desired state through specific policies. Conversely, these concepts primarily stem from external and prescriptive initiatives and policies proposed by major powers and developed countries to fortify the foundations of weaker countries. This study examined the evolution of the concepts of development and economic development through a geopolitical lens, using John A. Agnew’s eras of geopolitical thoughts, i.e., “civilizational geopolitics,” “naturalistic geopolitics,” and “ideological geopolitics.” Specifically, this study aimed to address the following question: What is the nature of the concepts of development and economic development in the era of geopolitical thoughts? This descriptive-analytical study employed a library research methodology as the data collection method. The analysis of the concept and nature of development and economic development during the three major eras of geopolitical thought revealed that the central powers have prescribed development to economically and politically weak countries as a discourse or paradigm of power with varying interpretations. In an effort to substantiate the advancement of power policies, weaker countries are referred to as “barbarian,” “backward,” “underdeveloped,” “Third World,” “developing,” “South,” “uncivilized,” etc. Moreover, in a center-periphery geopolitical relationship, the power-seeking policies of the center, which are referred to as “development” and its derivatives, have been implemented in vulnerable countries, resulting in their subordination, dependence, and exploitation.