“A History of Global Development” by DavidNash

Summary

I've recently completed a 7 week series on global development, I thought it would be useful to share each week on the forum as well in case people missed the announcement post.

The aim is to give people a more comprehensive overview of the global development landscape, either for those considering working/donating in this area, or if you are already in development but want to consider switching focus.

It seemed to me that resources in development & EA spaces were narrowly focused, with an emphasis on RCT backed healthcare interventions via non profits and I'm hoping to give people a broader understanding, so they can make more informed decisions on where to allocate their resources.

Here is a list of the different areas covered:

1. A history of global development
2. Evidence-based interventions, RCTs & Global Health
3. Democracy, Institutions and Government
4. Economic growth
5. The Private Sector
6. Innovation & Metascience
7. [...]

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Outline:

(00:10) Summary

(01:33) The Last 200 Years in Data

(03:13) Transformative Areas for Welfare

(03:42) Industrial Revolution

(04:54) Vaccines & Public Health

(06:55) Agricultural Transformation

(07:32) Energy

(08:45) Education

(09:53) Democracy and Rights

(11:22) Scientific Advancement

(13:10) Global Governance

(13:13) Institutions

(16:16) Evidence & Resources in Development

(16:20) Randomised Controlled Trials & Impact Evaluation

(17:47) Foreign Aid

(19:15) Remittances

(20:40) Economic Engines of Development

(20:44) Government Revenue & Spending

(23:02) The Private Sector

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First published:
June 24th, 2025

Source:
https://forum.effectivealtruism.org/posts/eme7XzHFsxWCSZXoF/a-history-of-global-development

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Narrated by TYPE III AUDIO.

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