International Development


Latest additions to the site

The Dynamics of Spending and Absorption of Aid: Panel Data Analysis

IDE

This 44-page Japanese discussion paper studies the spending and absorption of aid in PRGF-supported programs, verifies whether the use of aid is programmed to be smoothed over time, and analyzes how considerations about macroeconomic stability influence the programmed use of aid

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-08-31

Scaling-up Foreign Aid: Will the 'Big Push' Work?

Alfred Deakin Research Institute

This 22-page Australian working paper demonstrates that a \'big push\' in foreign aid will not lead to diminishing returns as long as donors get the inter-country allocation of aid right

International Development Posted: 2010-08-17

Education: Gender Equality

Canadian International Development Agency

A 32-page Canadian paper on gender equality in education

Education , International Development Posted: 2010-08-17

Natural Resources: Curse or Blessing?

CESifo

This working paper studies whether natural resources are a source of benefit or loss for developing countries

International Development Posted: 2010-08-06

Making International Development Assistance Work

Lowy Institute

This Australian report places the challenges of development assistance into a global context and provides an overview of global and Australian aid trends

International Development Posted: 2010-08-05

Beyond Population: Everyone Counts in Development

CGD

This 42-page US paper reviews important demographic trends expected to occur between 2010 and 2050, indicates some of their implications for economic and global development, and suggests some possible policies to respond these trends and implications

International Development Posted: 2010-08-04

Achieving the Millennium Development Goals: Education is the Key Missing Link

Brookings

A US article stressing the importance of wider education in achieving the Millennium Development Goals

International Development , Education Posted: 2010-08-03

The Economic Impact of Competition

ODI

This 4-page UK study finds that more competition, more players, more dynamic entry and exit, and more intense rivalry for customers tend to deliver better market outcomes, including lower prices, better access to services for consumers, and improved international competitiveness

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-08-01

New Partnerships for Growth Research in Africa: Launch Workshop Report

Brooklings

This 24-page US workshop report details discussions on how to strengthen the voice and deepen the policy impact of African research institutions, and how to increase collaboration among institutions to benefit Africa’s growth and development

International Development , Science & Technology Posted: 2010-07-16

Commodity Terms of Trade: The History of Booms and Busts

WTO

An article demonstrating how commodity prices affect the macroeconomic performance of commodity-exporting countries

Globalisation & International Trade , International Development Posted: 2010-07-14

Cargo Cult in Africa: Remittances and the State in Tanzania

DIIS

This 23-page Danish working paper explores the current celebration of remittances in Tanzania as a magic bullet for the creation of development and economic growth

International Development , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2010-07-02

FDA’s Role in Improving the Development Pathway for Neglected Disease Therapies

CGD

An 8-page US House testimony about the FDA’s role in improving the development pathway for neglected disease therapies

Health , International Development Posted: 2010-06-30

Millennium Development Goals Report Card: Learning from Progress

ODI, Millennium Commission

This 12-page summary is part of initial findings from an ongoing review of development progress

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-06-29

The G-20 Summit in Toronto: What Does it Mean for Development?

ODI

A UK article assessing the implications of the Toronto G-20 summit for international development

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-06-29

African Land Grabbing: Whose Interests Are Served?

Brookings

A US article dealing with transnational land-grabbing in Africa

International Development Posted: 2010-06-28

Pulling Agricultural Innovation and the Market Together

CGD

A 27-page US working paper exploring how advance market commitments and other market-like pull mechanisms can strengthen incentives for the private sector to invest more in agricultural R&D to benefit poor people

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-06-25

Sustaining and Leveraging AIDS Treatment

CGD

This 68-page US essay estimates the fiscal burden of international AIDS treatment programs and suggests ways that donors, governments, and patients can link treatment and prevention to stop the epidemic

International Development , Health Posted: 2010-06-17

Time and Poverty from a Developing Country Perspective

Levy Economics Institute

This 38-page US working paper is concerned with the measurement of poverty in the context of developing countries

Poverty & Hunger , International Development Posted: 2010-06-16

The Race Against Drug Resistance

CGD

This 116-page US report urges action to contain the threat posed by drug resistance in developing countries

International Development , Health Posted: 2010-06-16

Elephant in the Room: The New G77 and China Dynamics in Climate Talks

FIIA

A 9-page Finnish briefing paper assessing the stance of developing countries in respect of climate change talks and agreements

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2010-06-10

Unpacking the Black Box of Institutional Reform

CIPE, INDEM

This 8-page US article presents a Russian perspective on the role of institutional reform in development

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-06-02

Development on the Move: Measuring and Optimising Migration’s Economic and Social Impacts

IPPR

The 11-page executive summary of a UK study examining a wide range of migration’s impacts on development, by conducting primary research in seven countries

International Development , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2010-06-01

What's Next for Latin America After the Global Crisis?

Brookings

A 5-page US article discussing challenges that have impacted Latin America's development and the type of investment opportunities that lie ahead

International Development , Regional Posted: 2010-06-01

Mother or Motherland: Can a Government Have an Impact on Educational Attainment of the Population? Preliminary Evidence from India

IZA

This 22-page discussion paper examines the relative impacts of personal-household and state-level characteristics (including government policy) on the likelihood of transition from one educational level to the next

Education , International Development Posted: 2010-05-29

Why We Need a Radical Re-think of Official Aid

Europe's World

This article charts the debate of recent years on reforming aid-giving and highlights the major problems to be resolved

International Development Posted: 2010-05-29

Channels for Change: Private Water and the Urban Poor

IIED

A 4-page UK briefing paper offering examples of innovative ‘private’ water suppliers in which elements of these models are replicable

Health , International Development Posted: 2010-05-24

The MDGs and Beyond: Pro-poor Policy in a Changing World

EADI

The working paper analyses what the MDGs have achieved, what the 2010 MDG review should do and gives an outlook on how the context is changing further for global development 2010-2020

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-05-21

Development on the Move

IPPR

This 11-page executive summary of a UK report argues that migration should not be viewed as a 'problem' for development

International Development , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2010-05-21

A Seat at the Table: Including the Poor in Decisions for Development and Environment

WRI

This 28-page report closely examines access rights to environmental decision making in four countries: Cameroon, Paraguay, Philippines, and Sri Lanka

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2010-05-19

World Development Indicators 2010

World Bank

The access page to the World Bank's Data Catalogue of over 2,000 development indicators

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-05-18

Caught in the Global Hurricane: Debating the Caribbean’s Development Challenges in an Uncertain World

Brookings et al.

The report of a US conference held to consider the well-being of the Caribbean region

International Development , Regional Posted: 2010-05-18

Furthering Democracy through the European Union’s Development Policy: Legal Limitations and Possibilities

DIIS

This Danish paper argues that the European Union should take a much more consistent approach in its external relations as required under the Lisbon Treaty. In this way it will be possible to further democracy outside the European Union much more efficiently

European Union , International Development Posted: 2010-05-17

Decentralization and Foreign Aid Effectiveness: Do Aid Modality and Federal Design Matter in Poverty Alleviation?

CESifo

This 27-page working paper empirically studies the impact of decentralization on foreign aid effectiveness

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-05-14

Growth and Equity in Fragile States

Clingendael

This 33-page Dutch study takes a long-term perspective on economic development in fragile countries to discuss structural causes of fragility

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-05-06

The Global Economic Crisis: Impact on Sub-Saharan Africa and Global Policy Responses

CRS

This 30-page US report analyzes Africa’s vulnerability to the global crisis and potential implications for economic growth, poverty alleviation, fiscal balances, and political stability. The report describeschannels through which the crisis is affecting Africa, and provides information on international efforts to address the impact, including U.S. policies and those of multilateral institutions in which the United States plays a major role

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-05-05

Capital Controls and Monetary Policy in Developing Countries

CEPR

This US paper looks at both the theoretical and empirical literature on capital controls and finds that capital controls can play an important role in developing countries by helping to insulate them from some of the harmful effects of volatile and short-term capital flows

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-05-04

The Performance Governance System in the Philippines: Building the Capacity of Local Institutions

CIPE

This 9-page US paper describes ISA’s Performace Governance System (PGS), a successful management tool for local governments, civil society, and the private sector to work together on improving governance, service delivery, and community living standards

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-05-04

International Climate Finance: Principles for European Support to Developing Countries

EDC

A 19-page working paper examining Europe’s approach to the provision of new finance in support of climate change actions in developing countries

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2010-04-27

Improving Governance and Public Financial Management through Budget Support: The Experience of the African Development Bank

ECDPM

This discussion paper describes the experience of the African Development Bank in using budget support as an aid delivery mechanism

International Development , Regional Posted: 2010-04-27

Investment Contracts and Sustainable Development: How to Make Contracts for Fairer and More Sustainable Natural Resource Investments

IEED

This 104-page report discusses how to structure investment contracts for natural resource projects in ways that maximise the investment’s contribution to sustainable development

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2010-04-26

Global Imbalances, the U.S. Dollar, and How the Crisis at the Core of Global Finance Spread to “Self-insuring” Emerging Market Economies

Levy Economics Institute

This US working paper investigates the spread of what started as a crisis at the core of the global financial system to emerging economies

Economic Policy , International Development Posted: 2010-04-23

Natural Resources and Development Strategy after the Crisis

WTO

An article considering the role of primary commodities in development

International Development Posted: 2010-04-13

Sovereign Wealth Funds in the Next Decade

World Bank

A 5-page paper explaining that while sovereign wealth funds represent a new opportunity for developing countries, they also carry challenges for both home and host countries

International Development Posted: 2010-04-12

Capacity for Change: Reforming U.S. Assistance Efforts in Poor and Fragile Countries

Brookings

This 62-page report describes the context for reforming US aid and examines the key issues for decision by policymakers in an effort to inform a coherent and effective national approach to both stabilization and broader developmen

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-04-12

Using Food Aid to Support, Not Harm, Haitian Agriculture

CEPR

A 5-page US issue brief arguing that buying up all of Haiti's rice should be close to the amount of food aid for rice that the international community is likely to provide this year, and would provide a tremendous boost to Haitian farmers, who currently are unable to compete with low-cost rice imports from the U.S.

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-04-08

Comparing Food and Cash Transfers to the Ultra-Poor in Bangladesh

IFPRI

This 215-page study evaluates the relative impacts of food and cash transfers on food security and livelihood outcomes among the ultra poor in Bangladesh

Poverty & Hunger , International Development Posted: 2010-04-08

Moving Mugabe's Mountain: Zimbabwe's Path to Arrears Clearance and Debt Relief

CGDev

A 28-page US working paper arguing that clearing Zimbabwe’s external debt arrears and securing comprehensive debt relief will be a critical step in eventual recovery

International Development Posted: 2010-04-07

Hazard Analysis of Unemployment Duration by Gender in a Developing Country: The Case of Turkey

IZA

A 49-page discussion paper studying the duration aspect of unemployment in a developing country, Turkey

Employment, Industrial Relations & Training , International Development Posted: 2010-03-31

Protection Against Severe Earthquake Risks in Central Asia

Brookings

This US essay examines the seismic risks that Central Asia faces

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , International Development Posted: 2010-03-29

The Global Slump Makes a Fair Trade Revolution More Urgent Than Ever

Europe's World

This article argues for a radical reduction in the handicaps to export-led growth by the world's poorest countries

International Development , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2010-03-26

Silent and Lethal: How Quiet Corruption Undermines Africa’s Development

World Bank

This 48-page essay sheds light on “quiet corruption” in Africa —when public servants fail to deliver services or inputs that have been paid for by the government

International Development , Corruption Posted: 2010-03-26

Why a Careful Evaluation of the Millennium Villages Is Not Optional

CGDev

A US article arguing that a careful evaluation of the millennium village project is vital

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-03-25

The Global Financial Crisis and Developing Countries

ODI

This 77-page UK synthesis of the effects of the global financial crisis on developing countries updates the description of the economic and social situation during the course of the crisis in 11 countries

International Development , Economic Policy Posted: 2010-03-24

Paying for Chronic Diseases in Less Developed Countries

IPN

This 18-page UK paper is an attempt to see what lessons for the funding of chronic disease can be drawn from the international response to HIV/AIDS

Health , International Development Posted: 2010-03-24

Local Ownership of Security Sector Reform

USIP

A 4-page US brief arguing that sustainability is a critical component of success for SSR programs, and that early local ownership is a critical component of sustainability

Defence, Terrorism & Security , International Development Posted: 2010-03-22

Technologies, Rules, and Progress: The Case for Charter Cities

CGD

This 12-page US working paper argues that a new type of development policy would be to voluntarily charter new cities for the purpose of changing rules, using a range of new legal and political structures analogous to the ones that made Hong Kong and Shenzhen possible

International Development , Urban Issues Posted: 2010-03-10

Fake Drugs: Causes, Consequences, and Possible Solutions

AEI

A US speech addressing the problem of substandard and counterfeit drugs

Health , International Development Posted: 2010-03-06

Policy Coherence and the Future of the UK's International Development Agenda

IPPR

An 85-page UK report showing that, while the UK has made significant progress in achieving coherence between development and other objectives in some areas, policy tensions remain unresolved in others

International Development Posted: 2010-03-05

Burundi: Ensuring Credible Elections

Crisis Group

This report examines the rise in tensions before communal, presidential, legislative and additional local elections that are to be conducted separately between May and September in Burundi (executive summary and recommendations only)

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-03-04

Global Development: Views from the Center

CGDev

An article listing 10 actionable ideas for a 21st century global development agenda

International Development Posted: 2010-03-03

Education’s Hardest Test: Scaling up Aid in Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

Brookings

A 12-page US policy outlook outlining the challenges that need to be addressed if the educational opportunities of children living in countries affected by conflict, fragility, or emergencies are to be improved

International Development , Education Posted: 2010-02-25

Korea’s Role in Global Development

Brookings

A US article on Korea's contribution to international development

International Development Posted: 2010-02-25

Integrating Environment and Development in Viet Nam: Achievements, Challenges and Next Steps

IIED

This 60-psge report reviews what has worked well in integrating environment and development objectives in Viet Nam, as well as what currently constrains integration. It assesses future needs, given rapidly changing demographic, economic and environmental situations

International Development , Climate Change & Environment Posted: 2010-02-25

New Challenges and New Beginnings for European Development Cooperation

ODI et al.

A 94-page joint report from four think tanks considering how European collaboration and action on international development can be reinvigorated

International Development , European Union Posted: 2010-02-24

Matrix of Medicine Quality Reports Affecting USAID-assisted Countries

United States Pharmacopeia

This 63-page US publication is a repository of publicly-available information aiming to raise awareness of the problem of counterfeit and substandard medicines

Health , International Development Posted: 2010-02-20

Haiti After the Earthquake

USIP

A 6-page US brief outlining Haiti's post-earthquake needs

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , International Development Posted: 2010-02-18

Establishing Leadership on Civilian Assistance to Afghanistan

USIP

This 6-page US briefing argues that leadership of civilian assistance is necessary for success in Afghanistan, and lays out the best options to move forward

Disarmament & Peacekeeping , International Development Posted: 2010-02-18

The Rise of Budget Support in European Development Cooperation: A False Panacea

FRIDE

European aid donors are delivering a higher share of development aid directly to governments in the form of budget support. While this offers potential for enhancing local accountability within developing states, this 5-page Spanish policy brief argues that the way it is being implemented in practice is having a negative impact

International Development , European Union Posted: 2010-02-07

Delivering Genetically Engineered Crops to Poor Farmers

IFPRI

A 4-page US analysis of regulatory reforms needed for farmers and consumers in developing countries to benefit from GE crops

Poverty & Hunger , International Development Posted: 2010-02-04

Good Capitalism, Bad Capitalism: What Is a Market Economy and How Can It Deliver?

CIPE

This 5-page US article examines different kinds of capitalism

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2010-02-04

A Labor Mobility Agenda for Development

CGDev

This 28-page US paper argues that every rich country should consider its immigration policy to be part of its international development policy, and vice versa

International Development , Immigration & Refugees Posted: 2010-01-29

To Perpetuate their Dictatorships, Arab Rulers Resort to the Islamic Creed

Gloria Center

A 12-page Israeli article on why Muslim majority states offer fewer political rights than non-Muslim countries

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-01-29

Greater Aid Transparency: Crucial for Aid Effectiveness

ODI

This 4-page UK brief sets out and explores the link between donor aid and recipient country budgets, and the role greater transparency about aid can play in improving budget transparency, the quality of budgetary decisions, and accountability systems

International Development Posted: 2010-01-25

Beyond Emergency Relief for Haiti: The Challenge of Effective Development Assistance

Brookings

This US article considers the possible role of the international community in the reconstruction and development of Haiti in the short-to-medium term

International Development , Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation Posted: 2010-01-25

Aid, Dutch Disease, and Manufacturing Growth

CGDev

This 39-page working paper examines the effects of aid on the growth of manufacturing using a methodology that exploits the variation within countries and across manufacturing sectors and that corrects for possible reverse causality

International Development Posted: 2010-01-20

Bases, Bullets, and Ballots: U.S. Military Aid in Colombia

CGDev

This 47-page US working paper studies the effects of US military assistance to Colombia in terms of violence and voter turnout

International Development , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2010-01-20

Tragedy and Opportunity for Haiti

CFR

This US article argues that the desire to move fast and "do something" to alleviate suffering in Haiti must be matched to what is a bitter opportunity to secure a more consistent and lasting commitment to Haiti's political and social stability

Public Safety & Disaster Mitigation , International Development Posted: 2010-01-18

Central African Republic: Keeping the Dialogue Alive

Crisis Group

This 24-page policy briefing argues that if the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) fails to re-engage with the opposition on upcoming elections and negotiate with remaining rebels, its fragile peace process will be at serious risk

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-01-16

The Economics of Adaptation to Extreme Weather Events in Developing Countries

CGDev

This 35-page paper assesses the economics of adaptation to extreme weather events in developing countries

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2010-01-15

Peace-Building without External Assistance: Lessons from Somaliland

CGDev

This 37-page paper examines how the lack of recognition of Somaliland by the international community—and the consequent ineligibility for foreign financial assistance—has shaped the region's political development

International Development , Governance & Politics Posted: 2010-01-15

Banned Aid: Why International Assistance Does Not Alleviate Poverty

CFR

A 3-page US article examines the flaws in the concept of foreign aid

International Development Posted: 2010-01-10

Security Sector Reform: A Case Study Approach to Transition and Capacity Building

SSI

This 119-page US monograph uses case studies of Haiti, Liberia, and Kosovo to assess the impact of SSR programs on host nation security sectors

Defence, Terrorism & Security , International Development Posted: 2010-01-08

Early Economic Recovery in Fragile States: Priority Areas and Operational Challenges

Clingendael

This 90-page Dutch report focuses on how economic activities can contribute to overall stability as part of an integrated reconstruction strategy in fragile states

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2010-01-06

Natural Resources in Côte d’Ivoire: Fostering Crisis or Peace?

BICC

This 84-page German brief investigates the extent to which natural resources have contributed to causing and sustaining this armed conflict and how natural resource exploitation can contribute to peace and development in Côte d’Ivoire

International Development Posted: 2010-01-02

Rethinking Trade Policy for Development: Lessons From Mexico Under NAFTA

CEIP

This 22-page US report finds that Mexico’s experience with NAFTA underscores the need to reform trade agreements between the United States and developing countries

Globalisation & International Trade , International Development Posted: 2009-12-22

Counting Carbon in the Marketplace – and at the Border

DIIS

A 4-page Danish policy brief explaining that developing countries need to prepare for the challenges that product carbon footprints (PCFs) pose

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2009-12-14

Raising the Game: Mainstreaming Children's Rights

ODI

A 4-page UK briefing paper arguing that children’s rights should be mainstreamed into broader development policy debates

Families, Children & Youth , International Development Posted: 2009-12-10

It's One Climate Policy World Out There—Almost

CGD

The results of a US survey of a broad sample of development and climate afficionados on what should be done about climate change

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2009-12-09

Reducing Poverty through Low Carbon Development

DIIS

Focusing on the so-called Least Developed Countries, this 4-page Danish policy brief outlines the benefits from low carbon development for national governments and the poor, and provides recommendations for development cooperation in agriculture, forestry and energy in Least Developed Countries

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2009-12-09

Somaliland: A Way out of the Electoral Crisis

Crisis Group

This 20-page policy briefing examines what stalled democratisation could mean for Somaliland

Governance & Politics , International Development Posted: 2009-12-08

The Millennium Development Goals Report 2009

UNDP

This 60-page report presents an annual assessment of progress towards the MDGs. Although data are not yet available to reveal the full impact of the recent economic downturn, they point to areas where progress towards the eight goals has slowed or reversed

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2009-12-03

Bandits, Borderlands and Opium Wars in Afghanistan

DIIS

This 28-page Danish working paper examines Afghan state-building viewed from the margins

International Development , Disarmament & Peacekeeping Posted: 2009-12-02

Doha and the Global Crisis

ODI

A 4-page UK briefing paper arguing that concluding the Doha Development Agenda is central to enhancing multilateral cooperation and future prospects.

International Development , Globalisation & International Trade Posted: 2009-12-01

Fixing Famine: How Technologies & Incentives Can Help Feed Africa

IPN

A 20-page UK study about technologies that can improve food security and the wellbeing of smallholder farmers, based on field work in Malawi and Kenya

Poverty & Hunger , International Development Posted: 2009-12-01

What Role for the United Nations in Haiti?

USIP

This 8-page US briefing explains the importance of maintaining a U.N. presence there and how to enhance its prospects for continuing success in the impoverished country

International Development , Defence, Terrorism & Security Posted: 2009-11-27

Reconciling Climate Change and Trade Policy

CGD

This 45-page US working paper offers some preliminary quantification of the impact of possible climate change policy approaches on growth in developing countries

International Development , Climate Change & Environment Posted: 2009-11-25

Overcoming Fragility in Africa: Forging a New European Approach

Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies

This 219-page report, the first edition of the "European Report on Development" focuses on the issue of fragility in its various dimensions, on its implications for development policies and on the approached to tackle it

International Development , European Union Posted: 2009-11-18

Energy Needs and Efficiency, Not Emissions: Re-framing the Climate Change Narrative

CGDEV

A 37-page US working paper suggesting some simple principles for determining equitable distribution of emission cuts between developed and developing countries to meet global targets

Climate Change & Environment , International Development Posted: 2009-11-18

Ownership and the Donor-Recipient Relationship

DIIS

A 12-page Danish working paper assessing the impact of recent aid reforms to put ownership into practice

International Development , Poverty & Hunger Posted: 2009-11-17

The Future of European Development Cooperation: Seeking Global Solutions or Retracing a Niche by 2020?

DIIS

This 12-page Danish working paper discusses the future prospects for European development cooperation

International Development Posted: 2009-11-17