Policy pointers

International Development

How to Unlock the $1 Trillion that Developing Countries Urgently Need to Cope with the Crisis

CGD

This 4-page US paper estimates that developing countries may need $1 trillion for bank rescues, fiscal stimulus, and to maintain their minimal social safety nets over the next couple of years. It then explains how these funds could be unlocked from existing resources

International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-02-19

Fixing Global Nutrition Institutions

CGD

This 29-page US essay shows why nutrition is too often a low priority for rich-world donors and even for governments in the most affected countries, and offers two practical suggestions for improvement

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-08-17

Giving Money Away? The Politics of Direct Distribution in Resource Rich States

CGD

This 25-page US working paper discusses the political feasibility and political implications of direct cash transfers to citizens in the specific context of resource-rich states

International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-11-09

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-08-03

Criss-Crossing Globalization: Uphill Flows of Skill-Intensive Goods and Foreign Direct Investment

CGD

This 38-page working paper considers the developmental impact on source countries of uphill flows of skill-intensive goods and foreign direct investment

International Development, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2009-08-12

Reflections on the Macro Foundations of the Middle Class in the Developing World

CGD

This 22-page US working paper reviews how macroeconomic policies shape incentives for inclusive growth

International Development, Economic PolicyPosted: 2007-10-30

The Negative Consequences of Overambitious Curricula in Developing Countries

CGD

This 57-page US working paper argues that many education systems in developing countries are attempting to push children through curricular material faster than their teachers can teach it and their students can learn it

International Development, EducationPosted: 2012-05-02

Young Democracies in the Balance: Lessons for the International Community

CGD

An 8-page brief exploring the underlying reasons for backsliding in the world's fledgeling democracies

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-01-23

Through the Looking Glass, and What OLS Found There

CGD

A 38-page paper examining the relationship between foreign aid and growth

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-02-27

What Happens When Donors Fail to Meet Their Commitments?

CGD

A US blog considering whether the aid industry introduced the reforms it agreed in 2005 to make aid more effective

International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-10-05

How Will Latin America Fare after the Current Crisis?

CGD

This 6-page speech analyzes the effect of the global financial crisis on Latin America

International Development, Economic PolicyPosted: 2009-07-29

ABC, 123: The Impact of a Mobile Phone Literacy Program on Educational Outcomes

CGD

A 38-page US report on the results from a randomized evaluation of a mobile phone education program (Project ABC) in Niger, in which adult students learned how to use mobile phones as part of a literacy and numeracy class.

Education, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-09-19

Incentive Proliferation? Making Sense of a New Wave of Development Programs

CGD

This 26-page US paper proposes a way of classifying and distinguishing the range of development incentive programmes being debated today, emphasizing two particular dimensions: the agent whose behavior the incentive seeks to change and the specificity of the output or outcome measure

International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-09-08

Brave New World: A Literature Review of Emerging Donors and the Changing Nature of Foreign Assistance

CGD

This 30-page US working paper investigates the scale and scope of emerging donors, many of which are developing economies themselves

International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-11-26

Cash On Delivery Aid for Health: What Indicators Would Work Best?

CGD

This 45-page US working paper assesses the challenges of applying COD Aid in the health sector

International Development, HealthPosted: 2012-02-29

The Global Financial Crisis: The Beginning of the End of the “Development” Agenda?

CGD

This 25-page US policy paper discusses the pre-crisis subtle shift in the prevailing model of capitalism in developing countries and whether the financial crisis will be a trigger for a new twenty-first-century approach to collective action on global problems

International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-05-02

More than Money: Impact Investing for Development

CGD

This 44-page US report offers an important survey and analysis of impact investing, which has the potential to spur development in regions and sectors that traditional foreign direct investment does not target

International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-12-07

Incentives for Life: Cash-on-Delivery Aid for Tobacco Control in Developing Countries

CGD

This 19-page report proposes applying Cash-on-Delivery (COD) Aid as a new incentive mechanism for tobacco control in low- and middle-income countries

Drug Abuse, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-04-18

Beyond Planning: Markets and Networks for Better Aid

CGD

A 45-page US working paper arguing that a considered combination of market mechanisms, networked collaboration, and collective regulation would be more likely to lead to significant improvements in the utilization of aid than reliance on a planning paradigm

International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-10-19

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-06-29

Girls Count

CGD

This 97-page report describes why and how to provide adolescent girls in developing countries with a full and equal chance in life

International Development, Families, Children & YouthPosted: 2008-01-15

Round Eight of the MCA: Which Countries Will the MCC Board Likely Select as Eligible in FY2011?

CGD

This 21-page US analysis draws upon two recent congressionally mandated reports and country indicator performance to predict which countries the MCC board will select as eligible to apply for FY2011 compact or threshold assistance

International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-12-07

Opening Markets for Poor Countries: Are We There Yet?

CGD

This 28-page US working paper finds that much remains to be done to achieve the goal of meaningful market access for the poorest countries, including reformed rules of origin that facilitate rather than inhibit trade.

International Development, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2009-10-14

Exclusion, Gender and Education

CGD

A study of school enrollment, completion and learning in 7 developing countries, highlighting disadvantaged groups

Education, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-10-10

Which Countries Jump the FY2010 Corruption Hurdle?

CGD

This 8-page note offers a preliminary analysis of country scores on the FY10 control of corruption indicator to qualify for MCC funding

International Development, CorruptionPosted: 2009-09-21

Generation of Political Priority for Global Health Initiatives: A Framework and Case Study of Maternal Mortality

CGD

This 32-page US paper investigates why some global health initiatives receive priority over others

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-10-17

Modernizing Foreign Assistance for the 21st Century: An Agenda for the Next U.S. President

CGD

This 23-page essay proposes a 5-point strategy for modernizing US foreign assistance

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-03-18

The End of ODA: Death and Rebirth of a Global Public Policy

CGD

This 32-page US paper argues for the need to move from the conventional measure of Official Development Assistance to the construction of clearer benchmarks for what ultimately matters: resources and results that concur to 21st century international development. The

International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-04-14

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-01-15

China in Africa: A Macroeconomic Perspective

CGDev

This 32-page US working paper offers practical suggestions to assist the Chinese government to consider the macroeconomic effects of its burgeoning engagement in Africa

International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-11-17

Trade Policy for Development: Reforming US Trade Preferences

CGDEV

A 4-page briefing paper urging the US to reform its trade preference system to facilitate imports from the poorest countries

Globalisation & International Trade, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-09-07

Advanced Economies Pose Three Financial Risks to Developing Countries in 2011

CGDev

This 8-page US paper identifies the major risks posed to emerging market economies by developments in advanced economies

International Development, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2011-01-19

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-04-06

The Crisis Next Time: U.S. Leadership at the Pittsburgh G-20 and Beyond

CGDev

An 8-page US speech calling on the G-20 to begin working toward consensus on the institutional arrangements needed to implement a future climate agreement, including the potential role of multilateral institutions such as the World Bank in providing risk management tools to help developing countries respond to new threats arising from both climate change and the globalized economy

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-09-18

Global Warming and Agriculture

CGDev

A 4-page brief exploring the implications of global warming for world agriculture, with special attention to developing countries

Climate Change & Environment, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-10-10

Measuring Progress with Tests of Learning

CGDev

This 29-page paper examines the viability of improvement measurement tests for education in developing countries

Education, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-06-24

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 & PoliticsPosted: 2010-01-15

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 & HungerPosted: 2010-03-25

Global Development: Views from the Center

CGDev

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

International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-03-03

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2009-11-18

The U.S. Response to Precarious States: Tentative Progress and Reducing Obstacles to Coherence

CGDev

A 32-page essay on US efforts to help reconstruct failing states

International Development, Defence, Terrorism & SecurityPosted: 2007-08-07

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 & RefugeesPosted: 2010-01-29

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 & SecurityPosted: 2010-01-20

Beyond Lending: How Multilateral Banks Can Help Developing Countries Manage Volatility

CGDEV

This US book argues that multilateral development banks (MDBs) should move beyond lending to provide innovative risk-management tools for developing countries to manage volatility and create long-term stability (single page, linking to each chapter)

International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-05-18

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-01-20

AIDS Treatment as an International Entitlement; Are We Ready for a Global Welfare Paradigm?

CGDev

This blog examines the cost/benefit equation of AIDS treatment.

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-10-04

Thougth for Food: The Challenges of Coping with Soaring Food Prices

CGDev

This 66-page working paper addresses the challenges posed for developing countries by rising food prices

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2008-11-04

Does the IMF Constrain Health Spending in Poor Countries? Evidence and an Agenda for Action

CGDEV

A 90-page US report on the IMF programmes for health

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-07-31

The High Return to Private Schooling in a Low-Income Country

CGDEV

This 12-page working paper finds a large effect of private schooling in Kenya on test scores, equivalent to one full standard deviation. The effect dwarfs the impact of any rigorously tested intervention to raise performance within public schools

Education, International DevelopmentPosted: 2012-03-21

The Impact of Microcredit on the Poor in Bangladesh: Revisiting the Evidence

CGDEV

How robust is the evidence that microcredit improves the lives of the poor by, for example, increasing or stabilizing household consumption? Three landmark studies put microfinance to that test in Bangladesh, but the contradictions among them have produced lasting controversy and confusion. This 50-page working paper reevaluates the previous studies and finds a way to end the impasse

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2009-06-22

Understanding and Containing Food Price Inflation

CGIAR

A short backgrounder on food price inflation and possible responses

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-05-17

Infrastructure and Indian Development: Reform First, Invest Later

Chatham House

An 8-page briefing paper examining India's infrastructure needs and associated financing issues

International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-02-07

What's next for the G20? Investing in Health and Development

Chatham House

The 13-page summary of a conference held to to explore options for the future for the G20 in advancing key issues in global health and development

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-09-29

Procurement for Development: Aligning Social with Commercial Considerations in the Supply Chain

Chatham House

An 8-page UK briefing paper arguing that development indicators and principles of fairness and equity need to be integrated into mainstream procurement practices if large-scale pro-poor growth is to be delivered

International Development, Globalisation & International TradePosted: 2010-09-29

Yemen: Political Dynamics and the International Policy Framework

Chatham House

The transcript of a UK speech on what the UK and the international community can do to assist Yemen

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2010-11-02

Emerging Powers and the International Development Agenda

Chatham House

The 12-page text of a speech setting out how the UK will work to strengthen its partnerships with emerging powers, adapting its approach to reflect the changing international development landscape.

International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-02-18

Sustainable Development: Us, Together

Chatham House

A 5-page article examining the global challenge of achieving sustainable development

International Development, Climate Change & EnvironmentPosted: 2007-08-31

Yemen: Fear of Failure

Chatham House

A 12-page UK briefing paper explaining how Yemen presents a potent combination of problems for policy-makers confronting the prospect of state failure in this strategically important Red Sea country

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-12-13

Risky Sex, Addictions and Communicable Disease in India : Implications for Health, Development and Security

Chemical and Biological Arms Control Institute

A 117-page report providing broad perspectives on risky sex and addictions, their interconnections and how they impact health, development and security in India

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2004-09-24

Sustainable Development Strategy, 2007-2009

CIDA

This 53-page document describes Canada's sustainable development strategy for assisting developing countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-03-05

Maghreb Integration and the Four-Sided Development Squeeze

CIPE

A 9-page article urging the Maghreb states to pursue regional integration

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-03-27

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-05-03

Global Corporate Citizenship: The New Era of Opportunity

CIPE

An 8-page article arging for a greater contribution by private enterprise into relieving poverty

Poverty & Hunger, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-05-25

Nigeria’s Imperative for Youth-Led Entrepreneurial Development

CIPE

A 6-page article calling for an environment in Nigeria in which young entrepreneurs can lead the country’s development

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2008-12-15

Ethics and Corporate Governance in the Fight against Corruption

CIPE

An 8-page article outlining action that business can take in the battle against corruption

Corruption, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-10-14

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 & HungerPosted: 2010-02-04

The Spirit of Democracy: How to Make Democracies Work

CIPE

A 10-page US article on the state of global democracy development and the prerequisites for future success

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-12-03

From Promises to Action in Kenya: How to Make Democracy Work

CIPE

A 9-page article on improving democratic government in Kenya

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-06-05

The New Post-Conflict Strategy: Building Domestic Capacity for Reform

CIPE

A 10-page article arguing for approaching post-conflict reconstruction by building it around local groups

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-01-15

Harnessing Market Mechanisms for Development: International Best Practice Standards

CIPE

A 7-page article calling for governments to engage the private sector in the implementation of common international best practice standards for developments

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-09-30

Reducing Economic Informality by Opening Access to Opportunity

CIPE

This 19-page toolkit on informal sector reform explains the sources and consequences of the informal sector, outlines methods for improving participation in markets, and describes three case studies from work in Peru, Guatemala, and Kenya

International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-11-11

Believe in the Poor: The Future of Microfinance

CIPE

A 6-page interview discussing the achievements of an Ecuadorean bank that has proved that providing credit to the poor can be both profitable and an effective tool to reduce poverty

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2006-08-21

Jua Kali Associations in Kenya: A Force for Development and Reform

CIPE

A 9-page paper describing how the informal sector in Kenya has benefitted from local voluntary associations acting in an advocacy role

International DevelopmentPosted: 2007-01-31

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-06-01

Vision or Fiction? Prospects of Regional Integration in the South Pacific

CIS

This 20-page issue analysis considers whether regional integration could play a role in raising living standards in the Pacific

Globalisation & International Trade, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-11-03

Good and Bad News on Global Development

CIS MIT

A US essay comparing the performance of economic development and development policy

International DevelopmentPosted: 2008-05-06

Integrating Socio-economic Recovery into Post-conflict Stabilization Programmes

Clingendael

This 5-page Dutch policy brief examines the close interconnection between economic development and violent conflict

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2009-01-10

Bilateral and EU Development Cooperation: Delivering More and Better Aid

Clingendael

This 18-page Dutch overview paper examining how development cooperation efforts should be shared between the EU and member states

International Development, European UnionPosted: 2008-11-09

Southern Sudan's Self-Determination Referendum: Two Narratives

Clingendael

A personal Dutch commentary on the recent vote on whether Southern Sudan will remain part of a united Sudan or found its own state

Governance & Politics, International DevelopmentPosted: 2011-03-04

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-05-05

India

Clingendael

A 63-page Dutch paper studying the recent acceleration of development in India and the lessons that can be drawn for other developing countries

International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-07-19

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 DevelopmentPosted: 2010-01-06

Religion and Development Aid: The Special Case of Islam

Clingendael

This 31-page Dutch paper argues that Western donors should engage with Islamic organisations but restrain from instrumentalizing religion

International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-12-08

The Growth Report: Strategies for Sustained Growth and Inclusive Development

Commission on Growth and Development

This 180-page report studies how developing countries can achieve fast sustained and equitable growth

International Development, Economic PolicyPosted: 2008-05-27

Haiti: International Assistance Strategy for the Interim Government and Congressional Concerns

Congressional Research Service

This 26-page U.S. report examines the progress made under the Internation Cooperation Framework, a strategy for providing aid to Haiti

International Development, Poverty & HungerPosted: 2005-11-29

U.S. Aid to the Palestinians

Congressional Research Service

A 6-page paper reviewing U.S. aid to the Palestinians and the possible implications of Hamas' recent electoral success on U.S. aid

Foreign Policy, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-02-13

The Global Fund and PEPFAR in U.S. International AIDS Policy

Congressional Research Service

A 16-page briefing paper on U.S. policy issues in respect of contributions to the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-11-15

AIDS in Africa

Congressional Research Service

A 24-page report on the AIDS epidemic in Africa, and the US response

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2006-08-15

Liberia's Post-War Recovery: Key Issues and Developments

Congressional Research Service - U.S.

A 20-page report describing developments in Liberia since the 2003 peace accord

Disarmament & Peacekeeping, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-12-29

HIV/AIDS International Programs: Appropriations, FY2003-FY2006

Congressional Research Service - U.S.

This 6-page report shows U.S. appropriations in support of overseas HIV/AIDS programmes

Health, International DevelopmentPosted: 2005-09-01