Policy pointers

International Development

Defining and Measuring Social Cohesion: Social Policies in Small States Series, No. 1

UNRISD

A 40-page paper examining the concept of social cohesion in policy debates and assessing its role in social development

International Development, Social PolicyPosted: 2010-12-03

Sustainable Development through Policy Integration in Latin America: A Comparative Approach

UNRISD

This 24-page paper examines how social and political actors in Brazil and in Ecuador propose to govern natural resource use sustainably, and how they work at building an alternative political economy based on ecosystem protection, biodiversity, renewable energy use and poverty reduction

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-05-07

The Power of Jurisdiction in Promoting Social Policies in Smaller States

UNRISD

This 40-page paper argues that a stronger appreciation of strategic issues, institutional practices, legal features, regulatory capacities and behavioural response mechanisms would help in understanding why some small states succeed while others do not

Social Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-04-01

Social Policies in Grenada

UNRIDS

This 74-page paper assesses developments in social policy approaches and delivery in the post-colonial period, including the economic strategies pursued and their effects on social policy, particularly in respect of children

Social Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-01-04

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-02-20

The Afghanistan Reconstruction Group: An Experiment with Future Potential

United States Institute of Peace

This US briefing assesses the Afghan Reconstruction Group, an experiment in which the US embedded a group with private sector experience into the Kabul embassy to advise and assist reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-09-28

Haiti's Economic Challenge

United States Institute of Peace

This paper describes the huge economic challenge facing Haiti

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-07-27

Transitional Governance: From Bullets to Ballots

United States Institute of Peace

A 24-page report examining the problems encountered by the US in trying to stabilize emerging nations

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-07-13

Donor Activities and Civil Society Potential in Iraq

United States Institute for Peace

A 12-page review of reconstruction activities in Iraq

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-08-13

State of World Population Report 2004

United Nations Population Fund

A 124-page report describing progress during past ten years in alleviating poverty, improving women's rights and widening access to reproductive health

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-09-24

Implementation of the United Nations Millennium Declaration: Report of the Secretary-General

United Nations General Assembly

A 57-page report on the extent to which the Millennium Development Goals are being achieved

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2004-09-27

Unleashing Entrepreneurship: Making Business Work for the Poor

United Nations Development Programme

Report of the Commission on the Private Sector and Development, calling for targetted policy reform and other intitiatives to spur growth in local businesses to reduce poverty in the developing world

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2004-07-07

Trade on Human Terms: Transforming Trade for Human Development in Asia and the Pacific

United Nations Development Programme

This UNDP report proposes an agenda for national governments to make trade work more for the poor (single page linking to each section)

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2006-07-13

Reducing Disaster Risk: A Challenge for Development

United Nations Development Program

This 137+ page report is designed to identify linkages between development and disaster and to promote methods of disaster risk reduction

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-02-12

Trade and Development Report 2004

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

This 188-page report concludes that the developmental effects of globalisation have been disappointing, and recommends a more comprehensive policy framework that reinforces coherence between the international trading system and the international monetary

Globalisation & International Trade, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-09-27

World Economic Situation and Prospects 2006

United Nations

This 182-page report by the UN analyzes current developments in the world's economy and emerging policy issues

Economic Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-02-01

The Millennium Development Goals Report 2011

United Nations

A 72-page report on progress towards the MDGs

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2011-08-01

The Real Wealth of Nations: Pathways to Human Development

United Nations

This 236-page edition of the Human Development Report celebrates the contributions of the human development approach to improve people’s well-being

Social Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-11-09

Implementation of Programme of Action for the Least Developed Countries

United Nations

This 50-page report by the UN Secretary-General describes progress in accelerating development in the world's least developed nations

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2006-06-26

UNESCO World Water Development Report, 2009

UNESCO

This 249-page report offers a holistic approach to links between water and climate change, food, energy, health and human security

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-04-13

Human Development Report 2005: International Cooperation at a Crossroads

UNDP

This 388-page report takes stock of human development, including progress towards the MDGs. It examines barriers to human development and the human costs of missed targets and broken promises

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2005-09-27

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 & HungerPosted: 2009-12-03

Human Development Report 2007/2008

UNDP

The 31-page summary of a UN report focusing on the threat to human development posed by climate change

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-02-08

The MDG Monitor

UNDP

The MDG Monitor is designed as a one-stop-shop for information on progress towards the millennium development goals (link to home page of the monitor)

International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-12-01

The Least Developed Countries Report 2006: Developing Productive Capacities

UNCTAD

A 387-page report on the economies of the world's 50 poorest countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-07-27

Investing in Development: A Practical Plan to Achieve the Millennium Development Goals

UN Millennium Project

This 353-page report outlines a way to achieve the Millennium Development Goals

International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-01-26

The Millennium Development Goals: A Latin American and Caribbean Perspective

UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

A 345-page report providing an in-depth survey of developmental progress and concerns in the Latin American and Caribbean Region

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2005-08-10

Preliminary Overview of the Economies of Latin America and the Caribbean

UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean

This 19-page briefing paper reports, in summary form, on the economies of Latin America and the Caribbean during 2005

Economic Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-02-15

Global Malarial Control: U.S. and Multinational Investments and Implementation Challenges

U.S. Government Accountability Office

This 57-page correspondence reports on an investigation into U.S. investments in national malaria control programmes, describing key challenges to the implementation of such programmes and strategies for addressing those challenges

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-11-21

Global Health: U.S. AIDS Coordinator Addressing Some Key Challenges to Expanding Treatment, but Others Remain

U.S. Government Accountability Office

An 86-page U.S. study of major challenges to U.S. efforts to expand ARV treatment in resource-poor settings and the U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator's response to those challenges

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-07-23

Afghanistan Reconstruction: Deteriorating Security and Limited Resources Have Impeded Progress; Improvements in U.S. Strategy Needed

U.S. General Accounting Office

An 87-page U.S. report on U.S. assistance towards humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Afghanistan

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-06-03

Developing Countries: Achieving Poor Countries' Economic Growth and Debt Relief Targets Faces Significant Financing Challenges

U.S. General Accounting Office

This 68-page U.S. study assesses the likely shortfall in funding for the Heavily-Indebted Poor Countries Initiative and estimates the amount of funding needed to help these countries achieve economic growth and debt relief targets

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-04-17

The Nine Principles of Reconstruction and Development

U.S. Army War College

A 17-page U.S. paper, written for a military readership, enumerating principles designed to provide aid and development agencies with greater opportunities for success

International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-09-07

Stabilization and Reconstruction in Afghanistan: Are PRTs a Model or a Muddle?

U.S. Army War College

A 15-page U.S. article reviewing the performance of Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs) in Afghanistan

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-12-10

Why the United States Should Robustly Suppport pan-African Organisations

U.S. Army War College

This 18-page U.S. article presents a rationale for why it should be U.S. policy to support pan-African sub-regional organisations that seek to have Africans help themselves

International Development, Foreign PolicyPosted: 2005-12-10

Global Corruption Report 2009

Transparency International

This 496-page report documents in unique detail the many corruption risks for businesses, ranging from small entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa to multinationals from Europe and North America. It also discusses the most promising tools to tackle corruption in business, identifi es pressing areas for reform and outlines how companies, governments, investors, consumers and other stakeholders can contribute to raising corporate integrity and meeting the challenges that corruption poses to sustainable economic growth and development

Corruption, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-10-19

The New Politics of Development and Development Policy’s Big Private Sector Push as response

The Indo-Pacific Governance Research Centre

This 7-page Australian policy brief examines how over the last decade or more a new mode of development practice has emerged that both complements and, in many ways, transforms the agendas of organisations tasked with facilitating development

International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-06-08

Strengthen the Millennium Challenge Corporation: Better Results are Possible

The Brookings Institution

A 9-page US policy brief assessing the effectiveness of the Millennium Challenge Corporation

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2008-12-16

Better Aid: Responding to Gaps in Effectiveness

The Brookings Institution

This 8-page US policy brief uses a two-pronged approach so that aid architecture can be strengthened, gaps filled, flows coordinated, and development sustainable and effective—ultimately making aid better

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2008-12-03

Teach a Child - Transform a Nation

The Basic Education Coalition

This 43-page report reviews the worldwide situation of children denied an education and underlines the importance of such education in developing countries for the prevention of disease and conflict

Education, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-05-06

Partnerships for Development and the Provision of Water and Sanitation

SWP

This 4-page German commentary argues that if the UN wants its partnerships to effectively contribute toward the realization of the Millennium Development Goals or other international goals, it needs to monitor and assess them in a more systematic manner

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2011-08-18

DR Congo: Stage Victory

SWP

A 4-page German commentary on the events surrounding Congo's presidential elections

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2006-10-25

Weak States and Successful Elites

SWP

A 27-page German research paper examining how the governments of externally dependent crisis states engage with Western policy prescriptions

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-08-18

Beyond Boundaries in Eastern Africa: Bridging the Security/Development Divide With International Security Assistance

Stimson Center, Stanley Foundation

This report identifies links between sustainable development issues, and human security and capacity-building needs in Eastern Africa, and connects these needs with international security assistance supported under UN Security Council Resolutions 1373 and 1540

International Development, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2011-10-07

Threat Assessments and Reviews: A Note on Current Practice

Stimson Center

Using the existing literature, this 12-page practice note examines current practice in conducting threat assessments. Using the cases of Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Uganda it attempts to draw out relevant lessons learned in this area.

Defence, Terrorism & Security, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-08-31

"The Main Institution in the Country is Corruption": Creating Transparency in Angola

Stanford Institute for International Studies

This 19-page U.S. case study describes how the Angolan government, from a starting point of massive corruption, was induced to take some initial steps towards accountability

Corruption, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-02-23

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-01-08

Stability Operations and State-Building

SSI

The 279-page report of a US colloquium held to discuss the challenges posed by state-building

International Development, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2008-10-23

Education Aid in Fragile States: Delivering it Effectively

SPIRU

An 8-page briefing paper that develops a framework for assessing the effectiveness of education aid in fragile states

International Development, EducationPosted: 2007-09-11

Development at Risk: Rethinking UN-Business Partnerships

South Centre and UNRISD

This 362-page book is a critical examination of UN-Business partnerships created to sponsor development

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-02-09

Turkey Discovers Africa: Implications and Prospects

SETA

An 8-page Turkish policy brief examining Turkey's developing relations with Africa

Foreign Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-09-06

Partnership or Neo-Colonialism?

SEF-Bonn

A 4-page commentary on the relationship between North and South in the global governance of resources

International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-09-22

Turning the Resource Curse into a Blessing

SEF

This 6-page German paper presents two views as to how to overcome the resource curse and promote development in resource-rich developing countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-03-05

How to Help Pakistan

Search for Common Ground

An article arguing that the developed world needs to provide Pakistan with targeted economic assistance to fight extremism

Defence, Terrorism & Security, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-01-08

New Tools to Fight Fake Medicines

SciDev.net

A US article on combating the availability of counterfeit medicines in Africa

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-05-13

Projected Benefits of the Doha Round Hinge on Misleading Trade Models

SCEPA

A 3-page paper querying the reliability of CGE models in predicting the benefits of a new round of tariff reform

Globalisation & International Trade, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-03-13

African Peer Review Mechanism Standards

SAIIA

A 614-page indexed collection of standards against which governance in Africa can be measured

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-05-17

What Makes for Effective Anti-Corruption Systems?

SAIIA

This 12-page South African occasional paper examines the conditions necessary for the creation of an effective anti-corruption system, with particular reference to new democracies

Corruption, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-10-01

Is Uganda Ready for Oil Revenues?

SAIIA

This 4-page South African policy briefing considers Uganda's ability to cope with expected oil revenues

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-02-28

The Development Economics of Emergent Countries

RSIS

An 8-page Singaporean speech on development economics given to African leaders and policy makers

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-07-15

The World Trade Organisation and Sustainable Development: A Guide to the Debate

Royal Institute of International Affairs

A 12-page briefing paper providing a concise background to the main issues at stake in the interaction between the WTO system and sustainable development

Globalisation & International Trade, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-12-21

Petroleum, Poverty and Security

Royal Institute of International Affairs

This 10-page briefing paper explains the relationship of petroleum and poverty, with special reference to sub-Saharan Africa

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-07-07

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 UnionPosted: 2009-11-18

Malaria: It's Not Neglected Any More

RFF

A US article on global efforts to control malaria

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-08-21

Benefits of Organic Agriculture as a Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Strategy for Developing Countries

RFF

This 19-page US discussion paper is a short review of organic agriculture as an adaptation strategy to climate change and variability

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-04-29

Blair, Brown and the Gleneagles Agenda: Making Poverty History or Confronting the Global Politics of Unequal Development?

Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies

A 39-page Australian working paper arguing that the global politics of development are driven by complex global politics of unequal development

International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-05-22

The UN's Role in Nation-Building

Rand Corporation

This 318-page publication reviews UN efforts to transform eight unstable countries into democratic, peaceful and prosperous partners, and compares those missions with U.S. nation-building operations

International Development, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2005-03-04

Value for Money in Donor HIV Funding

Rand Corporation

This 92-page US report examines options for improving the impact of HIV funding

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-01-10

Liquid Assets: How Demographic Changes and Water Management Policies Affect Freshwater Resources

Rand Corporation

A 152-page U.S. report examining the interaction between demographics and water resources, focusing on developing countries

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-11-13

The Challenges of Creating a Global Health Resource Tracking System

Rand Corporation

This 141-page monograph urges the establishment of a global tracking system for health resources provided by disparate sources to developing countries, to help ensure their optimal use

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-04-06

The Future of Genetically Modified Crops: Lessons from the Green Revolution

Rand Corporation

This 114-page report investigates the circumstances and processes that can induce and sustain the "Gene Revolution" by comparing it with the earlier "Green Revolution"

Science & Technology, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-09-16

Securing Health: Lessons from Nation-Building Missions

Rand Corporation

A 388-page report on the best health practices during nation-building operations in 8 countries

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-06-02

The Beginner's Guide to Nation-Building

Rand Corporation

A 328-page US monograph designed as a contribution to nation-building efforts

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-03-22

International Conference on Engaging Communities

Queensland Government, United Nations

Papers and abstracts from a conference on engaging communities held in August 2005

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-02-06

Determinants of Self-Employment in Urban Ethiopia

PSI

This 25-page UK study examines issues pertaining to self-employment in developing countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-04-16

The Quest for Investment

Project Syndicate

An article proposing a multilateral investment agreement to facilitate overseas investment in developing countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-03-21

The Storm in Sub-Saharan Africa

Project Syndicate

An article highlighting the effect of the global financial crisis on Sub-Saharan Africa

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2009-02-13

Integrating Small Arms Measures into Development Programmes

PRIO

A 4-page Norwegian policy brief discussing initiatives to address the impact of small arms violence on sustainable development

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-03-10

Participation of Diasporas in Peacebuilding and Development

PRIO

This 68-page Norwegian handbook focuses on diaspora engagements in both peacebuilding and development

International Development, Disarmament & PeacekeepingPosted: 2011-01-28

Expanding a Successful Health Care Initiative

Population Council

An article outlining how a successful pilot health care intitiative in Ghana is being extended throught the country

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-09-12

The Impact of Immunization on the Association Between Poverty and Child Survival

Population Council

A 26-page working paper examining the impact of immunization on child survival in Ghana

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-12-09

Dialogue on Public Sector Pricing of Pharmaceutical Products

Population Council

The 16-page report of a meeting held to explore ways of getting medicinal products into the hands of the world's poor

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-05-05

Mainstreaming Emergency Contraception (EC) in Kenya

Population Council

A 38-page report on a project designed to mainstream emergency contraception in Kenya

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-09-22

The Ishraq Program in Rural Upper Egypt

Population Council

The 46-page report of a pilot programme in rural Upper Egypt designed to provide improved opportunities for adolescent girls

Families, Children & Youth, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-05-17

Lion Cubs? Lessons from Africa's Success stories

Policy Exchange

This 114-page report discerns economic and political achievements in four African countries (Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda and Mozambique) and attempts to summarise the lessons to be learned from their achievements

International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-02-24

The Government Assistance Center: A Vehicle for Transitioning to the Host Government

PKSOI

This 74-page US monograph proposes a way for non-military organizations to render assistance and development to fragile states through an organizational approach

International Development, Governance & PoliticsPosted: 2011-10-10

The Failure of 'Reconciliation' and 'Reconstitution' Opens up a Political Vacuum in Somalia

PINR

A US article describing the political vacuum in Somalia

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-09-20

Niger Delta Struggle Increasingly Decentralized

PINR

An intelligence brief providing an update on the security situation in the Niger Delta

Defence, Terrorism & Security, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-08-24

Maghreb Regional and Global Integration: A Dream to be Fulfilled

Peterson Instiute

This 192-page US monograph considers the problems inhibiting economic development in the Maghreb (single page linking to each contribution for preview only)

International Development, RegionalPosted: 2008-10-29

Famine in North Korea Redux?

Peterson Institute

A 24-page US working paper assessing current insecurity in North Korea

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-10-23

The Global Financial Crisis: Lessons Learned and Challenges for Developing Countries

Peterson Institute

A US speech offering a perspective on the causes of the global financial crisis and how it differs from previous global financial crises.The speaker then proposes some key relevant lessons

Economic Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-06-24

The Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism

Parliamentary Library - Australia

This 25-page Australian background note provides information on the Clean Development Mechanism and its associated emissions credits

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-04-28

Adapting for a Green Economy: Companies, Communities and Climate Change

Oxfam America

This 72-page US report makes the business case for private sector adaptation to climate change in ways that build the resilience of vulnerable communities in developing countries

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-01-10