In Pursuit of Development

Looking back, thinking forward – Dan Banik

Dec 23, 2025
Reflecting on a transformative year, the discussion delves into the evolving landscape of global development and the decline of traditional North/South categories. Key topics include the challenges facing democracy and multilateral institutions amid shrinking aid budgets and rising inequalities. The potential and pitfalls of AI for development are examined, emphasizing the importance of ethics and solidarity. Looking ahead, themes such as energy security and the role of activism will continue to shape conversations in the future of global development.
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INSIGHT

Old Development Categories Are Obsolete

  • The old binary categories of North/South and donor/recipient no longer describe today's development landscape.
  • Multipolarity is already here and institutions and policies must catch up.
INSIGHT

Democracy Is Core And Fragile

  • People in poorer or fragile settings do not willingly trade political rights for economic gains.
  • Democracy requires investment, institutions, and sustained political work to endure.
INSIGHT

Multilateral Institutions Are Under Quiet Strain

  • Multilateral institutions face chronic financial and political constraints that erode capacity over time.
  • Global cooperation struggles because institutions are increasingly fragile, not because problems are too complex.
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