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VoxDev Development Economics
S5 Ep3: Development dialogues: The future of evidence-based policy-making
Feb 24, 2025
Join Rory Stewart, a former UK Secretary of State for International Development and Yale senior fellow, Stefan Dercon, an Oxford professor and former chief economist, and Trudi Makhaya, ex-advisor to the South African President, as they explore the decline of evidence-based policymaking. They discuss the dangers of populism overshadowing facts, USAID's cutbacks, and the need for adaptability in policy amidst political pressures. Their insights highlight the urgency for a narrative that prioritizes human dignity in global development.
42:19
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Quick takeaways
- The rise of populist politics is undermining evidence-based policymaking, with emotional narratives now dominating over factual data in decision-making processes.
- To counter skepticism towards research, policymakers must find ways to effectively communicate evidence while addressing the political vulnerabilities and fears of decision-makers.
Deep dives
The Erosion of Evidence-Based Policymaking
The rise of populist politics has led to a decline in evidence-based policymaking as emotional narratives gain priority over facts and data. Many policymakers are increasingly skeptical of research, perceiving it as elitist and disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary citizens. This shift is particularly evident in the context of the dismantling of vital institutions like USAID, where the termination of critical development programs has far-reaching implications for global assistance efforts. As a result, the challenge lies in re-establishing the importance of objective evidence amid a political landscape marked by skepticism and partisan rhetoric.
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