In Pursuit of Development

Malawi has once again gone to the polls, reaffirming its reputation as one of Africa’s most enduring democracies. In September 2025, former president Peter Mutharika returned to power after defeating Lazarus Chakwera in a peaceful transfer of power that defied global trends of democratic decline. Despite widespread poverty, inflation, and economic stagnation, Malawians continue to place their trust in the ballot box. In this episode, Dan Banik speaks with Happy Kayuni about why democracy endures in Malawi, how civic faith survives amid hardship, and what this resilience reveals about the future of democracy in developing countries.Resources:Political Transition and Inclusive Development in Malawi: The Democratic Dividend (Open access, Edited by Dan Banik and Blessings Chinsinga)Happy Kayuni on X and LinkedIn Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

In this engaging discussion, Nemanja Džuverović, a Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Belgrade, shares insights on the powerful student-led protests in Serbia following a tragic train-station collapse. He reveals how grief transformed into a movement challenging corruption and democratic decay. The conversation explores Serbia's struggle with 'stabilocracy,' regional democratic trends, and the growing disillusionment with the European project among youth. Džuverović also addresses Serbia's pivot towards China and the complex landscape of political alliances.

Jorge Heine, a seasoned diplomat and former Chilean Minister of State, delves into the rise of the Global South and the importance of active non-alignment. Heine shares insights from his ambassadorial experiences in China, India, and South Africa, emphasizing how nations are redefining foreign policies amidst U.S.–China rivalry. He highlights key catalysts for this shift, including the Ukraine war and BRICS expansion, while arguing that countries like Chile are skillfully balancing ties with both superpowers. Heine envisions a confident Global South reshaping global governance and development.

In this episode of In Pursuit of Development, Dan Banik speaks with Pedro Conceição, Director of the United Nations Development Programme’s Human Development Report Office, about the enduring power and renewed urgency of the human development idea.The conversation begins with the origins of the Human Development Reports, tracing how Mahbub ul Haq and Amartya Sen transformed a moral vision into a measurable framework that challenged conventional notions of progress. Pedro reflects on how this approach—anchored in expanding people’s choices and capabilities—remains vital in today’s polarized and uncertain world, where attention is often captured by crises rather than long-term human flourishing. Dan and Pedro discuss the latest Human Development Report, A Matter of Choice: People and Possibilities in the Age of AI, which examines how artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, societies, and the very notion of human agency. They explore both the promise and the peril of AI — how it can enhance learning, health, and livelihoods, but also deepen inequalities if access, bias, and control are left unchecked. The episode also touches on widening global inequalities, energy poverty in Africa, and the foundational investments (in electricity, connectivity, and education) required to ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.Resources:UNDP Human Development ReportsPedro Conceição on LinkedIn and X  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Joseph Asunka, CEO of Afrobarometer, shares insights into the evolving landscape of African citizen engagement. He discusses the rising pessimism among citizens, particularly concerning unemployment and economic conditions. Asunka highlights the gap between youthful priorities and older leadership, noting a shift towards online activism over traditional party politics. He emphasizes the significance of credible data in fostering accountability and democratic resilience, while also reflecting on the challenges faced by youth in mobilizing their political power.

Naomi Hossain, a Global Research Professor at SOAS, delves into Bangladesh's remarkable rise from a 'basket case' to a development leader. She discusses how traumatic events, like the 1974 famine, shaped robust policies prioritizing food security and disaster preparedness. The conversation highlights significant strides in health, poverty reduction, and women's workforce participation. Hossain also critiques the role of elite consensus and warns of looming challenges posed by inequality and political fragility, offering a nuanced view of progress and ongoing struggles.

The United Nations is facing its worst financial crisis in decades. Compared to its 2023 peak, total UN spending has fallen by almost one-third.While some countries have withheld much of their funding, others are paying late. And still others have reduced or postponed contributions. Against this backdrop, Secretary-General António Guterres has launched the UN80 reform initiative, an effort to streamline operations and review mandates at a time when the organization is struggling to keep the lights on.In this conversation, Dan Banik speaks with Dr. Ronny Patz, an independent UN financing analyst and author of Managing Money and Discord in the UN, about what lies behind the current liquidity crunch and why reforming the UN is so politically fraught. They explore how money, mandates, and majorities rarely align; why a considerable amount of UN funding now comes through earmarked projects; and how donor mistrust, fragmentation, and “cutback management” are reshaping the very foundations of global governance.The discussion moves beyond budgets to ask a larger question: Can the United Nations still fulfill its universal mission in a post-aid world?Listeners will come away with a sharper understanding of how bureaucratic politics, donor behaviour, and global power shifts are redefining the future of multilateralism.Resources:The UN80 InitiativeUN faces deepening financial crisis, urges members to pay upManaging Money and Discord in the UN: Budgeting and Bureaucracy (OUP 2019)Ronny Patz on LinkedInVisit ronny-patz.de  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

After a health crisis, the host dives into today's turbulent global landscape. He discusses the shift from a unipolar to a multipolar world, marked by trade wars and weakened institutions. The rise of the Global South is a key theme, showcasing new leadership through G20 and BRICS. However, internal challenges within these regions persist. Despite the chaos, he emphasizes cautious optimism, highlighting progress in health and renewable energy, suggesting that crises can inspire creativity and collaboration for a better future.

Season finale!  It is my great pleasure to welcome back a person I have very much enjoyed speaking with earlier— Dan Honig, an Associate Professor of Public Policy at University College London and Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy (@rambletastic). His latest book is Mission Driven Bureaucrats: Empowering People To Help Government Do Better. Mission-driven bureaucrats, according to Dan, are individuals who work within the bureaucracy with a genuine desire to serve their organization's mission of helping citizens. They perform their jobs out of a strong belief in their purpose, rather than being driven by a set of rules or incentives that compel them to act in specific ways. But what are the historical roots of the term "mission," and how can mission-driven bureaucrats thrive? The book argues that the key to better government lies in empowerment and trust, rather than stricter controls and more rigorous oversight.  Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Mission driven bureaucrats – 04:04Managers like Ted Lasso – 18:21Managing for empowerment versus managing for compliance – 25:12Demotivated and unmotivated bureaucrats – 37:46Characteristics of efficient bureaucracies around the world – 35:06New public management and the centrality of citizens – 43:52 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Rohan Mukherjee, an Assistant Professor at LSE and author of 'Ascending Order', navigates the shifting dynamics of global governance. He highlights the often-overlooked perspectives of the Global South, questioning traditional Western narratives of international crises. Mukherjee discusses how rising powers like India and China are reshaping the global order and pursuing symbolic equality. The talk dives into issues of legitimacy in institutions like the UN Security Council and explores the dual motivations of nations seeking status on the world stage.