In Pursuit of Development

Subscribe:

enMarch 06, 2024

Democracy in the Balance: Navigating Latin America's Political Landscape — Gerardo Munck

The political landscape of Latin America has undergone major transformation since the democratization wave of the 1980s and 1990s. During this time, most democracies in the region have managed to persist, albeit with a few notable exceptions. However, the quality of these democracies has often been questioned. Guillermo O’Donnell's characterization of Latin American democracies as "strange and flawed yet surviving" aptly captures this scenario.

In Latin American Politics and Society: A Comparative and Historical Analysis, Gerardo Munck and Juan Pablo Luna argue that while Latin American countries have stabilized democratic systems, the journey towards a fully democratized society remains incomplete, as evidenced by the breakdown of democracy in some parts of the region. Various factors have contributed to the state of democracy in contemporary Latin America. The challenges facing democracy in the region range from the impact of neoliberal economic policies to the influence of external powers like the United States, the role of dominant elites, political culture, state weakness, and corruption. The growing phenomenon of populist leaders such as Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and Javier Milei in Argentina forms a crucial part of our discussion. While scrutinizing the policies of these leaders and their implications for democracy, we also examine the complexities of political inclusion in Latin American societies, including the role of women, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and ordinary citizens in Latin American democracies. As scholars often point to the persistent crisis of representation in Latin American politics, it is important to explore the relationship between citizens and politicians, and the role of the judiciary in this dynamic. And although there are major shortcomings in providing equal access to political office for all societal groups, there has also been progress in some areas such as the introduction of gender quotas. A particularly important ongoing debate relates to what is considered the most effective development models for the region.

Gerardo Munck is a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on democracy and democratization, state capacity, Latin America, and methodology. He has also worked on the evolution of social science knowledge. @GerardoMunck

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Latin America has made progress on easy problems, but failed to resolve hard problems – 03:32
What accounts for the state of democracy today – 10:26
The dilemmas of democracy in unequal societies – 20:58
Political inclusion and political innovations – 29:12
Democracy and development – 37:35

Host

Subscribe:

enFebruary 28, 2024

The Globalization of Finance and Its Impact on State Building — Didac Queralt

An increasing number of countries are struggling with rising debt and facing defaults. A recent World Bank report revealed that developing countries paid a record $443.5 billion in 2022 to service their public debts, a situation exacerbated by surging global interest rates and a strong U.S. dollar. This debt servicing cost represents a 5% increase from the previous year, with warnings of more challenges ahead for the world’s poorest nations. Therefore, it is crucial to gain a deeper understanding of which forms of globalized finance are more effective in fostering development. This episode focuses on the prize-winning book Pawned States: State Building in the Era of International Finance, which examines the consequences of early access to external finance for long-term state capacity. In the 19th century, developing countries frequently sought loans from European credit houses to manage their finances and cope with war. While this external financing provided opportunities for growth, it often allowed leaders of these borrower states to skip essential steps in developing institutions and making political systems more inclusive. "Pawned States" illustrates how this reliance on early foreign loans has resulted in persistent fiscal instability and diminished governmental effectiveness in the developing world.

Didac Queralt is an assistant professor of political science at Yale University, who studies historical causes of modern-day fiscal institutions. @DidacQueralt

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Rising public debt in the Global South – 03:56
Conditionality and the international financial architecture – 10:12
Access to international finance in the 19th century– 18:22
Borrower motives and ability to pay back loans – 24:12
Lender strategies – 31:13
Success stories: Japan and Chile – 35:08
Argentina and Ethiopia – 40:40
Lessons for modern states– 44:08

Host

Subscribe:

enFebruary 21, 2024

The Genesis of the Human Development Report and Index — Meghnad Desai

The landscape of development theory, measurement, and policy was transformed in 1990 with the publication of the first Human Development Report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). This report also introduced the Human Development Index, which is a summary measure of average achievement in 3 key dimensions of human development: life expectancy at birth, literacy and income. In 1981, Amartya Sen published a paper titled "Public action and the quality of life in developing countries", discussing global advancements in quality-of-life metrics such as longevity and literacy despite rising poverty in some areas. Sen highlighted the significant variance in progress among countries, examining how public policies influenced improvements in these indicators. His research on human capabilities, stressing the need for equitable opportunities and choices for everyone, also significantly contributed to the concept of human development. The noted Pakistani economist Mahbub ul Haq shared Sen’s vision of focusing on human capabilities and well-being and moving beyond GDP in the pursuit of development.Haq also pioneered the practical application of the human development approach by introducing the Human Development Index.

Both Sen and Haq were aided in this effort by Meghnad Desai, who taught economics from 1965 to 2003 at the London School of Economics, where he now holds the post of Professor Emeritus. Professor Desai has authored numerous books, the most recent being The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor (2022). He is also a member of the House of Lords of the United Kingdom.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Meghnad Desai at a conference in New Delhi, titled “Advancing Human Development in the Global South”. In this conversation, he highlights the shift in development metrics from traditional economic indicators to a more holistic approach that includes longevity, education, and income, explaining how this led to a transformative ranking system for countries and influenced international development policy. Our conversation took place outside the conference hall, on a chilly January day, amidst the hustle and bustle of traffic and fellow conference attendees. As I used my phone to record our discussion, you might find the sound quality less than ideal. However, I believe the insights shared by Meghnad Desai about the origins of the human development concept will more than compensate for any audio shortcomings.

Host

Subscribe:

enFebruary 14, 2024

Global Structural Reform: Poverty, Freedom, Justice, and Innovation — Thomas Pogge

We explore the idea that the gravest deficits in freedom are intrinsically linked to poverty, impacting individuals and nations worldwide. We also examine the global innovation regime's crucial role in shaping progress and human development. International impact funds encourage and reward innovations based on their social benefits, potentially revolutionizing the current innovation regime. Towards the end of the conversation, we briefly discuss the work of John Rawls and the theory of justice as fairness, which describes a society of free citizens holding equal basic rights and cooperating within an egalitarian economic system.

Thomas Pogge is the Leitner Professor of Philosophy and International Affairs at Yale University. He has has authored many influential books on cosmopolitanism, global justice, and extreme poverty. @ThomasPogge

Resources:

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The poverty-freedom relationship – 03:12
Is poverty a violation of human rights? – 06:52
The urgency of development finance – 19:19
Innovation and impact funds – 27:50
Profits, patents, and incentives – 39:42
Global justice and solidarity with strangers – 47:00
John Rawls and a global theory of justice – 51:52

To ensure you never miss an episode of In Pursuit of Development, please make sure to subscribe to our podcast, rate us to support the show, and share this episode within your networks. Your engagement helps us bring more insightful content to you and keeps the conversation going.

Host

Subscribe:

sustainable development goals

enFebruary 07, 2024

pandemic

health

research and development

pharmaceutical industry

president franklin roosevelt

The Future of Industrialization – Jostein Hauge

Few events have transformed society as profoundly as the Industrial Revolution. The introduction of the factory system not only revolutionized the production landscape but also reshaped the social and economic contours of nations. This transformation was marked by the birth of industries such as textiles, iron, and glass-making, which catapulted productivity and altered every facet of daily life, setting the stage for modern civilization. However, the bastions of industrialization are not impervious to change.

Jostein Hauge is a political economist and Assistant Professor in Development Studies at the University of Cambridge, based at the Centre of Development Studies and the Department of Politics and International Studies. In a new book – The Future of the Factory: How Megatrends are Changing Industrialization – he advocates for adaptive, forward-looking industrial strategies that are attuned to the realities of the 21st century. He argues that the current era is characterized by four 'megatrends' or significant shifts in technology, economy, society, and ecology that are collectively redefining the essence and trajectory of industrialization. These trends are challenging the conventional wisdom of manufacturing-led growth and industrial strategies. From the rise of service economies and digital automation to the complex web of global production networks and the pressing imperatives of ecological sustainability, these megatrends demand a reevaluation of the future of factories and the very notion of industrial development. @haugejostein

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Industrialization, factories, and wellbeing – 03:56
Labor conditions in global production networks – 09:27
Devising a good industrial strategy – 14:01
The role of manufacturing – 24:14
Automation and the fear of mass unemployment – 29:35
Global governance and leveling the playing field – 38:03
Industrial strategies in an age of ecological breakdown – 41:53

Host

Subscribe:

enJanuary 31, 2024

Development as a Right: Unpacking Principles and Practices — Surya Deva

The right to development enables individuals and communities to actively participate in and benefit from various forms of development — economic, social, cultural, and political — while ensuring their human rights and freedoms. It involves a range of responsibilities, including the roles of states, multinational companies, NGOs, businesses, and educational institutions. Central to this right are principles of self-determination, intersectionality, intergenerational equity, and fair distribution, aiming for inclusive, diverse, and sustainable development. The shift towards a rights-based development framework is evident in initiatives like the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Bridgetown Initiative. Additionally, the role of businesses in this context is guided by frameworks like the UN Global Compact and the Business and Human Rights Guiding Principles, moving beyond the traditional "do no harm" approach. Despite its significance, the right to development faces challenges and legal critiques regarding its implementation and necessity.

Surya Deva is the UN Special Rapporteur on the right to development and a Professor of Law and Director of the Centre for Environmental Law at Macquarie University, Australia. @ProfSuryaDeva @UNSRdevelopment

Resources:

Declaration on the right to development (1986)
Reinvigorating the right to development: A vision for the future (report submitted to the Human Rights Council, August 2023)
Role of business in realizing the right to development (July 2023)

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The right to development and its added value– 03:46
The value of binding conventions versus non-binding declarations– 09:25
Why the judiciary often prioritizes civil and political rights – 15:16
Legalization of the right and the role of the courts in upholding binding conventions– 26:18
Has the definition of the right to development been overly broadened or inflated? – 31:31
The Global North perspective and the role of businesses – 40:23

Host

Subscribe:

sustainable development goals

enJanuary 24, 2024

Shifting Paradigms: The Global South and Feminist Political Economy Unveiled — Sara Stevano

The term "Global South" has seen an exponential rise in both academic discourse and international policy dialogues, having evolved from a mere synonym for the “Third World” to a complex geo-historical concept. In the first part of this episode, we critically analyze the utility and limitations of the term, acknowledging the diverse economic, political, and cultural realities it attempts to encapsulate. In the second section, we unpack how feminist political economy scrutinizes the power relations underlying production and consumption, challenges the fictitious separation of economic realms from the social, political, and cultural spheres, and highlights the gendered nature of economic inequalities. We explore the critical themes of social reproduction, care economies, labor market inequalities, and the household as a site of gendered power dynamics, all while considering the intersectionality of gender, race, and class.

Sara Stevano is a Senior Lecturer in Economics at SOAS University of London. Sara’s areas of expertise include the political economy of work, food and nutrition, inequalities and social reproduction. Her recent book with Sara Cantillon and Odile Mackett is Feminist Political Economy. A Global Perspective. @SaraStevano @SOAS

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The utility and limitations of the term the "Global South"– 03:58
The term "Global South" often comes under criticism for several reasons– 10:12
The added value of feminist political economy approaches – 16:36
The feminization of poverty – 21:06
The complex relations between gender, growth, and poverty – 26:46
The global care chain and the double burden – 34:20
Feminist political economy and climate change – 44:54

Host

Subscribe:

enJanuary 17, 2024

Beyond Trade: China's Cultural and Political Relations in Africa – Joshua Eisenman

China's burgeoning relationship with the African continent has been characterized by significant economic investment, trade, and infrastructure development, with China emerging as Africa's largest trading partner and a major player in the continent's evolving economic landscape. In recent years, we have seen an influx of Chinese involvement in African industries ranging from mining and construction to manufacturing and retail. This has been accompanied by an ambitious drive to develop Africa's infrastructure with projects that span roads, railways, ports, airports, and telecommunications networks. But the ties between China and Africa extend far beyond economics. We're witnessing a dynamic cultural exchange, burgeoning diplomatic activities, and even aid and military support. However, these activities have not been without controversy, igniting debates over so-called debt-trap diplomacy and resource exploitation.

Joshua Eisenman is an Associate Professor of Politics in the Keough School of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame. His research focuses on the political economy of China’s development and foreign relations with the United States and the Global South —particularly Africa. Together with David Shinn, Josh has recently co-authored a new book entitled: China’s Relations with Africa: A New Era of Strategic Engagement. @Joshua_Eisenman

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
China and an alternative world order – 03:20
The quest for soft power – 10:40
Debt burdens and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – 15:10
Revamping the BRI – 18:11
Why “debt-trap diplomacy” is misleading – 24:10
China’s growing relational power - 30:14
Increasing the voice of the Global South – 39:57
New forms of Chinese multilateralism – 45:53

Host

Subscribe:

enJanuary 10, 2024

Accountability in Action: The World Bank's Inspection Panel on the Frontlines – Ramanie Kunanayagam

Established as an independent complaints mechanism in 1993, the Inspection Panel is tasked with bringing transparency and redress to those adversely affected by World Bank-funded initiatives. The Panel is widely recognized as an international pioneer in respect to holding a major multilateral organization to account on social and environmental issues. Over the past three decades, it has registered numerous “Requests for Inspection”, from communities potentially affected by World Bank-financed projects, and has focused on a range of issues, such as environmental assessment, resettlement and the rights of indigenous peoples. Just how effective has the Inspection Panel been in safeguarding the interests of marginalized groups while holding one of the world’s most powerful institutions to account?

Ramanie Kunanayagam is the Chairperson of the Inspection Panel. She has a distinguished track record in leadership roles within the realm of sustainability, having served in prominent capacities in the corporate world and on the boards of several non-profit organizations. Linkedin

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
How does the Inspection operate? - 03:32
Shrinking civic space and the Panel’s accessibility - 10:44
How the Bank acts upon the Panel’s recommendations - 16:53
Typical complaints - 21:23
The puzzling lack of consultation of local residents - 25:29
The business and human rights linkages - 38:33
Learning from past mistakes - 48:51

Host

Subscribe:

enDecember 27, 2023

sustainable development

From Miracle to Menace: The Fight Against Plastic Pollution — Gloria Majiga

Once heralded as a miraculous material, plastic now poses a slow and insidious threat to our waterways, landscapes, and ecosystems. Plastic pollution impacts different regions of the world to varying degrees, and Malawi stands out as a notable example. An estimated 75,000 tons of plastic are manufactured annually in the country, with a minimum of 80% of these plastics being discarded as single-use items. Following pressure from environmental activists, the Government of Malawi took action by implementing a nationwide prohibition on the production, distribution, and importation of thin plastics in 2015. This ban was specifically aimed at plastics with a thickness of 60 microns or less, roughly equivalent to the thickness of plastic bags commonly used for fruits and vegetables in grocery stores.

One of the prominent advocates driving the campaign for the prohibition of single-use plastics was Gloria Majiga, a community development officer and dedicated environmental activist. She was awarded the 2021 Goldman Environmental Prize for Africa, acknowledging her remarkable efforts in championing the implementation of the nationwide ban on single-use plastics in Malawi. Linkedin

Resources:

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The development-environment tradeoff - 05:03
Waste management strategies and practices - 07:47
Goats and the plastic ban - 20:27
The role of the judiciary and implementation of the ban- 32:12
The environmental consequences of investments - 40:58
Are leaders the problem? - 47:26

Host

Subscribe:

enDecember 20, 2023

sustainable development

waste management

judiciary in africa

Decoding Development: The Crucial Role of Institutions – Shiping Tang

Development implies not just growth over a significant period of time but also progressive changes in the structure of an economy. Many influential scholars have identified the crucial role of property rights and the importance of constraining the power of the state while others highlight the importance of political settlements, development clusters, and inclusive economic and political institutions.

Shiping Tang is Fudan Distinguished Professor and Dr. Seaker Chan Chair Professor at the School of International Relations and Public Affairs at Fudan University, China. In his latest book, The Institutional Foundation of Economic Development: A systemic account of how institutions shape economic development, he argues that institutions play a pivotal role in shaping and influencing economic development through four key factors: possibility, incentive, capability, and opportunity. In addition, his framework encompasses six significant dimensions: political hierarchy, property rights, social mobility, redistribution, innovation protection, and equal opportunity. Sustained economic development, however, necessitates not only a robust institutional foundation but also strong state capacity and well-crafted socioeconomic policies.

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
What is economic development? - 03:15
The development-democracy linkage - 05:19
Why established understandings of institutions are incomplete - 11:30
The institutional foundations of economic development - 14:45
The new development triangle - 21:02
Explaining China’s economic success - 25:40
Power and influence of local leaders in China - 34:23
Achieving sustained economic growth – 44:10

Host

Subscribe:

enDecember 13, 2023

Making Sense of Cancer: Why Better Therapy Leads to More Disease – Jarle Breivik

The overarching objective of cancer research, championed by organizations like the US National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society, is to "end cancer as we know it". While this statement may suggest a future with less cancer, the stark reality unfolds quite differently. My guest argues that modern medicine is not in the process of ending cancer; rather, we are accelerating the problem. Globally, the number of new cases each year is estimated to increase from 18 million in 2020 to 28 million in 2040. Cancer is intrinsically related to aging, and the incidence increases exponentially from the age of 50. Accordingly, the better we get at treating the disease and postponing death, the more cancer there will be in the population.

Jarle Breivik (MD, PhD, EdD) is professor and head of the Department of Behavioral Medicine at the University of Oslo. He is on a mission to change the scientific discourse and the public perception of cancer. In his new book Making Sense of Cancer: From Its Evolutionary Origin to Its Societal Impact and the Ultimate Solution, Jarle discusses how aging, cancer, and death are essential elements of what it means to be human. Eradicating these elements would signify not just the conclusion of cancer but the potential demise of humanity itself. He is internationally recognized for his research on the evolutionary dynamics of cancer, and his thought-provoking analyses in PNAS, EMBO Reports, Scientific American, Wired Magazine, and the New York Times have stimulated a profound international debate about the understanding of cancer and cancer research. @jarlebreivik, Linkedin

Resources:

Why we won't cure cancer, op-ed, New York Times (May 2016) (Jarle Breivik)
Why I hope to die of cancer (Jarle Breivik)
Dying of cancer is the best death, British Medical Journal, (Richard Smith)
The end of cancer would mean the end of humanity (Richard Smith)

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Understanding cancer - 02:40
Whether treating cancer can cause more cancer - 09:30
Why the dominant global narrative on eliminating cancer is wrong - 10:55
Where is the human desire to live a long life taking us? - 14:45
The ethics of cancer treatment in high-income and low-income countries - 18:00
Should we prioritize treating some types of cancer over others? - 28:27
The substantial feedback generated by an op-ed in The New York Times - 36:08
How humans cope with crises and the need for optimism – 41:00

Host

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enDecember 06, 2023

american cancer society

Beyond Red Tape: Unraveling Bureaucratic Paradoxes in Public Service Delivery – Akshay Mangla

Scholars have highlighted the extent to which institutions in certain developing countries often lack the power to effectively project authority and implement policies. There may also be a substantial gap between public policy objectives and their actual execution, which in turn reduces the credibility and legitimacy of the state. Bureaucracies exhibit significant variation in their ability to implement policies both between and within countries, across various policy functions, and even within specific administrative tasks. While the Indian bureaucracy is often criticized for being captured and thereby unable to execute its core functions, it is at the same time able to coordinate hugely challenging tasks such as periodic elections. This paradox is further evident in the puzzling disparities in performance across Indian states, exemplified by the country’s success in eradicating polio even as its public health systems face significant challenges.

Akshay Mangla is Associate Professor of International Business at the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School. In — Making Bureaucracy Work: Norms, Education and Public Service Delivery in Rural India — he examines how and why some bureaucracies deliver education services more effectively than others. He finds that variations in bureaucratic norms (informal rules guiding public officials and their interactions with citizens) result in diverse implementation patterns and outcomes. While some agencies adhere strictly to legalistic approaches, emphasizing rule compliance, others foster deliberation and encourage flexible problem-solving with local communities, ultimately improving the quality of education services. @AkshayMangla

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
The perception of bureaucrats being slow and inefficient - 03:56
Balancing adherence to rules with exercising discretion - 06:18
Embedded autonomy and development - 17:32
The bureaucratic paradox in India - 22:14
Legalistic bureaucracy versus deliberative bureaucracy - 30:48
Engaging street-level bureaucrats in addressing and responding to local issues - 37:26
How bureaucrats respond to advance the interests of both underprivileged groups and elites - 43:41
Addressing the learning crisis in low-income countries: strategies and solutions – 51:12

Host

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enNovember 29, 2023

Unpacking the Backlash Against Globalization and its Impact on Inequality – Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg

Globalization is a force that has transformed our world in ways both remarkable and challenging. From the historic wave of trade liberalizations in the late 20th century to the monumental rise of China, an intricate interplay of a range of forces has molded the interconnected nature of our planet. Along the way, we have witnessed the decline of manufacturing in advanced economies and the far-reaching impacts of trade on global poverty, inequality, and labor markets. Despite a rapid advance for two decades, globalization slowed after the 2008–2009 financial crisis, but it did not come to a halt. But we have witnessed in recent years a backlash against globalization, particularly in some of the world’s largest economies, including two of globalization’s bastions, the United States and Great Britain. So, is the world economy deglobalizing? Is globalization in crisis? And are we witnessing the beginning of a new era?

Pinelopi (Penny) Koujianou Goldberg is the Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale University and the former chief economist of the World Bank Group. Penny was recently in Oslo to deliver the WIDER Annual lecture. We used that opportunity to engage in a discussion centred around her latest book with Greg Larson – The Unequal Effects of Globalization. @PennyG_Yale

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Globalization and development - 03:13
Winners and losers of hyperglobalization - 09:00
Reasons for dissatisfaction in the Global South - 16:22
Backlash against globalization in the Global North - 26:40
How China and many others benefited from globalization - 33:44
TRIPS waiverand manufacturing capacity - 41:26
Climate disruption and future of multilateralism - 45:40
Is degrowth feasible? – 52:40

Host

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enNovember 22, 2023

A New Horizon: Advancing Public Sector Reform in Africa – Happy Kayuni

Many African countries have undergone various phases of public sector reform aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery. But how effective have such reforms been? How and to what extent can some of these reforms be characterised as "institutional mimicry", where institutions adopt the language and behavior of reform without necessarily achieving substantial changes on the ground? How meritocratic is the civil service? And what about political interference, bureaucratic motivation and/or demotivation, corruption, and the role and influence of external actors?

Happy Kayuni is a professor of political science at the University of Malawi’s Politics and Government Department. He is currently also the Executive Dean of the School of Law, Economics and Government at the University of Malawi. His main areas of expertise are in the following areas: political governance, public administration and management, and gender and international development policy. @HappyKayuni

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Development or the lack of it in Malawi - 03:50
State capacity, policy formulation and implementation - 06:56
Everyday challenges facing civil servants - 13:50
The major areas of public sector reforms on the African continent - 22:20
Reforms for whom and for what - 29:05
Instituting discipline in the civil service - 40:55
Legitimacy of the state and role of external actors - 46:44

Host

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enNovember 15, 2023

policy implementation

bureaucratic motivation

african civil service

public sector reform

Political Constraints in Growth and Development: Moving beyond talking about them to actually tackling them – Peter Evans

Although political constraints have significant negative impacts on development, mainstream approaches to addressing these issues are often primarily technical and lack a willingness to understand and address political economy factors. Despite decades of technical efforts in sectors like health, education, and climate, some critical problems persist, such as drug supply losses, tree planting failures, and chronic absenteeism in health and education.

Peter Evans is a governance specialist with wide-ranging experience and expertise across international development and social research. He holds a PhD in medical geography and was previously Team Leader of the Governance, Conflict, Inclusion and Humanitarian Research Team at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). In this role, Peter designed and led the Anti-Corruption Evidence (ACE) programme. Until recently, he was director of the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) in Bergen. @PeterEvans_Guv

Peter argues that the supply of practical political economy research is limited and often falls short of practicality and accessibility, shaped more by researchers' interests and fund availability than the needs of policymakers or practitioners. Political economy research is further hindered by its sensitivity and riskiness, making it challenging for researchers, particularly in politically unstable or corrupt environments. On the demand side, there is a lack of structured efforts to understand and address political constraints in global investments for growth and development. Politics is often relegated to a risk rather than a problem to be understood and engaged with. And many actors in the field, including national governments, bilateral agencies, and multilateral organizations, often avoid addressing political economy factors, which hinders effective development outcomes.

Resources

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Wicked problems and progress - 03:50
Taking politics seriously - 08:08
Tackling corruption - 20:25
Why capacity building initiatives do not work - 36:20
Political settlements and public procurement - 44:07
Anti-corruption: What should researchers, donors, and governments focus more on - 53:52

Host

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enNovember 08, 2023

political constraints

tazania

India's Aspirations on the Global Stage — Suhasini Haidar

India's journey from a post-colonial nation to a global powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. The journey to this point has been marked by twists and turns, economic reforms, and strategic partnerships that have propelled India onto the world stage in ways that were once unimaginable. In the process, it has become an economic powerhouse, fostering innovation, trade, and partnerships that have set the world abuzz.

But India's story isn't just about impressive economic growth. It's also about the democratic values that shape its identity. Indeed, India's status as the world's largest democracy empowers it to play a pivotal role in shaping global governance and navigating the geopolitical terrain. How then has India harnessed its diverse culture, technological prowess, and military might to expand its global reach? What kind of global power does India aspire to be? And what are the potential dilemmas in India’s great power ambitions?

Suhasini Haidar is the Diplomatic Editor of The Hindu, one of India’s oldest and most respected national dailies. She was previously correspondent for CNN International’s New Delhi bureau and prime time anchor for a leading 24-hr English news channel CNN-IBN. Apart from writing for The Hindu, she hosts a weekly online show called WorldView with Suhasini Haidar. @suhasinih

Note: This episode was recorded in New Delhi in July 2023, well the BRICS summit in August that resulted in an expansion of the BRICS group of countries, and before the G20 Leaders’ Declaration that was adopted at the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit held in September.

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
India’s place in the world - 05:02
Democracy, foreign policy, and the Global South - 10:48
Soft power and India’s position on the war in Ukraine - 16:01
Resurrecting BRICS and South-South Cooperation - 24:42
Balancing relations with United States and China - 33:32
The G20 Presidency experience - 39:58
Foreign policy aspirations – 47:00

Host:

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enNovember 01, 2023

Humanity's Enduring Quest for Power and Prosperity – Daron Acemoglu

We engage in a discussion centered around Daron Acemoglu's latest book, co-authored with Simon Johnson, titled Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity. The choices we make regarding technology can either advance the interests of a select elite or serve as the foundation for widespread prosperity. But technology's trajectory can be, and should be, controlled and directed for the benefit of all. The remarkable advances in computing over the past fifty years have the potential to be tools of empowerment and democratization, but only if decision-making power is dispersed rather than concentrated in the hands of a few overconfident tech leaders.

Daron Acemoglu is Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. @DAcemogluMIT

(Cover photo of Daron Acemoglu by Cody O'Loughlin)

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
Understanding “progress” - 04:06
Optimism in an era of doom and gloom - 12:00
The power of persuasion - 16:10
Shared prosperity, welfare, and whether technology is always useful - 25:08
Machine intelligence vs. machine usefulness - 30:12
How technology (e.g., AI) can help promote development in low-income countries - 36:50

Host:

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe:

enOctober 25, 2023

artificial intelligence

Unveiling the Global Tapestry: Liberalism, Democracy, and the Path to Development – Francis Fukuyama

Grounded in fundamental principles of equality and the rule of law, liberalism is a system for governing diverse societies and emphasizes the rights of individuals to pursue their own forms of happiness free from government encroachment. But classical liberalism is in a state of crisis and is now being challenged from both the political right and the left. In his latest book – Liberalism and its discontents – Francis Fukuyama outlines some of the main reasons for the current state of crisis and offers a defense of a revitalized liberalism for the twenty-first century.

Francis Fukuyama is the Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), and a faculty member of FSI's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. He is also Director of Stanford's Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy, and a professor of political science. Twitter: @FukuyamaFrancis

(Cover photo of Francis Fukuyama by Rod Searcey)

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
The debate on democratic backsliding - 03:30
Democracy and “good enough governance” - 08:25
Distinguishing between liberalism and democracy - 16:05
Moral and economic justifications for liberalism - 24:24
Inequality as a cause of discontentment - 38:33
Alternatives to liberalism - 43:43
How AI will impact democracies - 57:17

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/
https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/

Subscribe:

Host

Subscribe: