In Pursuit of Development

The ever-evolving world of global power dynamics is characterized by the complex relationships between large economies such as the United States and China and how these interactions are perceived and navigated by countries in the Global South. Understanding these dynamics requires a comprehensive view of how some countries, such as China, position themselves as a challenger to the existing world order and US hegemony through their economic, structural, and normative power. While many countries in the Global South are finding it challenging to navigate the complex terrain of great power competition, some are leveraging their unique positions to maximize benefits and assert their sovereignty. They engage strategically with multiple great powers, negotiating deals and leveraging relationships to their advantage, balancing economic needs, security concerns, and political aspirations. Ilaria Carrozza is a senior researcher at the The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Her research focuses on understanding how China extends its influence abroad and challenges the existing world order. @ilaria_carrozzaResourcesShaping the Digital Architecture: Contested Norms on Digital Technology in Southeast AsiaChina’s Digital Silk Road and Malaysia’s Technological Neutrality Dual-Use AI Technology in China, the US and the EU: Strategic Implications for the Balance of Power Winds of Change? The Impact of Non-Western Powers’ Engagement in Afghanistan and the Sahel How Does the China-Russia Partnership Impact Security Dynamics in East Asia? Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Great power competition viewed from the Global South – 03:30The Russia-China alliance and resurgence of the BRICS – 11:40Global development and global security concerns – 18:50Chinese versus Western alternatives – 37:42  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

A central theme in Ian Shapiro's extensive body of research is the concept of domination, which captures the reactive nature of human beings towards power structures. Unlike traditional political theories that imagine societies designing just orders from scratch, Ian argues that political institutions evolve in response to the rejection of unacceptable power dynamics. This reactive nature is evident in the historical shifts from feudalism to absolutism, and eventually to democracy, driven by people's resistance to absolute power.Ian Shapiro is Sterling Professor of Political Science and Global Affairs at Yale University. In his latest book Uncommon Sense, he explores why citizens in many democracies are profoundly alienated and some democracies are in danger of failing. Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The fight against domination – 02:50The role of political parties in resisting domination – 05:41Disillusionment with democracies and the role of deliberation – 11:24Amartya Sen and development as freedom – 23:16Betting on hope – 34:29 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Effective bureaucracies are pivotal in mobilizing resources, implementing development projects, and ensuring equitable distribution of growth benefits across all societal segments. Conversely, weak administrative systems often result in inefficiency, corruption, and the derailment of vital development efforts aimed at improving health, education, and economic opportunities. The significance of administrative capacity extends beyond immediate program implementation. Strong administrative systems ensure that the achievements of development policies are maintained over time, adapting to new challenges like technological changes, demographic shifts, and environmental sustainability. This adaptability is essential for long-term development outcomes, making the strengthening of bureaucratic institutions a fundamental aspect of enhancing overall state capacity.Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham. She works in the fields of comparative politics, development studies, and political economy, with a specialisation in the bureaucratic politics of Pakistan. @sameen_mohsinResourcesCitizen trust, administrative capacity and administrative burden in Pakistan’s immunization program (open access)Networks of effectiveness? The impact of politicization on bureaucratic performance in Pakistan (author's accepted manuscript)Pakistan election: the military has long meddled in the country’s politics – this year will be no different, The Conversation UKOral History, Collaboration and Research on Women Public Sector Workers in Pakistan, with Sana Haroon, MHRC blogBureaucratic Reform, Discourse, Pakistan Institute of Development EconomicsThe good, the bad and the ugly in Punjab’s new local government laws. Herald, 5 July, 2019.Good sifarish, bad sifarish: A look at PML-N’s selective anti-corruption drive. DAWN 19 April, 2018.Pakistan: COVID-19, federalism and the first wave response. (open access)Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24State capacity and administrative capacity – 03:26The role of patronage politics – 09:03Civil servant strategies to tackle political interference – 16:49Socialization strategies, motivation, and demotivation – 25:09Networks of effectiveness – 32:14Trust between citizens and the state – 45:16  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

A common concern voiced by leaders in many developing nations is the deterioration of their road systems and the apparent hesitance of the international community to fund infrastructure improvements. In response, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. This sweeping project has facilitated investments in sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, logistics, energy, and oil and gas. While some African citizens and policymakers view the BRI as an opportunity to expand their policy space for development, opinions are divided. The presence of Chinese investments in Africa's infrastructure has ignited a multifaceted debate about the benefits of such partnerships versus the risks, including debt dependency, sustainability issues, and project prioritization that might not meet the wider needs of the population.Karuti Kanyinga is a Research Professor of Development Studies at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi, who has worked extensively on governance and development. @karutikkKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Public perceptions of recent infrastructure projects in Nairobi – 03:18Project modalities and demands for greater transparency – 08:09Negotiating better deals with external actors – 14:36The cost of politics – 22:16Expectations of idealism in politics – 28:37Strategies for combating corruption – 37:42 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The continued reliance on a "business as usual" model is insufficient for countering the detrimental consequences of global warming. Numerous studies, including the influential reports from the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have sparked a keen interest in understanding the prerequisites for the societal transformations necessary to address climate change effectively. However, a significant disconnect persists between the scientific consensus on global warming and the actions taken by political leaders at international, national, and local levels. In many of my interactions with policymakers from around the world, I often hear that despite being a global challenge, the discourse around global warming is disproportionately influenced by the perspectives and priorities of rich countries. Politicians in the global South in particular claim that this imbalance often results in global agreements that neglect the complexities of local justice and the intricate local politics involving competition for limited resources. Lan Marie Nguyen Berg is the Deputy Leader of the Green Party and a Member of the Norwegian Parliament. She previously served as Oslo City Commissioner for transport and the environment. @Lan_MarieKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The importance of voting as a step for political action– 04:24Balancing short-term voter appeasement with long-term climate goals– 08:48How Oslo became greener – 14:07Radical policies for long-term benefit and trade-offs – 19:28The welfare state and growing citizen expectations – 31:10Why the Global South reacts to preaching from the Global North – 37:58Online abuse and the future of young European leaders – 47:44 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Many nations around the world are grappling with the challenge of providing reliable and sustainable energy access to their populations. Half a billion people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, still rely on biomass for their basic needs, underscoring the urgent necessity for innovative energy solutions.  The quest for electrification, especially in rural and underserved regions, is not just about lighting up homes but igniting opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development. Yet, as we dig deeper, it becomes apparent that the link between electricity access and economic prosperity is nuanced and multifaceted.Jörg Ankel-Peters co-heads the research department “Climate Change and Development” at RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Germany and is a Professor of Economics at the University of Passau. @jrgptrs ResourcesRural electrification, the credibility revolution, and the limits of evidence-based policyGrid or solar: Looking for the best energy solution for the rural poorDo improved cooking stoves inevitably go up in smoke? Evidence from India and SenegalThe forgotten coal: Charcoal demand in sub-Saharan Africa Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The global energy poverty challenge – 03:44The electricity-economic growth relationship – 10:27Expanding the grid versus mini-grids and off-grid solutions– 17:10Health and education impacts of rural electrification– 24:27The charcoal conundrum – 29:07Impact of Rwanda’s Electricity Access Roll-out program (EARP) – 36:32  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

In the fabric of today's interconnected globe, "Made in China" has emerged as a richly layered emblem, intertwined with economic, political, and cultural narratives. Every day, consumers worldwide engage with this tag, embedded in an array of products, prompting us to ponder: What deeper meanings unfold from the assertion that a product is "Made in China"? Pursuing this question guides us through a complex labyrinth of global manufacturing practices, the ebb and flow of international relations, and the evolving patterns of consumer culture that mark the contemporary landscape.Elisabeth Ingleson is an Assistant Professor at the Department of International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She specialises in the histories of US foreign relations, US-China relations, capitalism, and labor, and is the author of Made in China: When US-China Interests Converged to Transform Global Trade. @lizingleson Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Nationbranding and the “Made in China” label – 03:14Geopolitics and supply chain dynamics – 09:05China’s convergence with global capitalism – 16:23The significance of cultural change – 27:03Fashion diplomacy, technology imports and development – 33:40The impact on Chinese politics and society– 41:10  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Effective leadership is characterized by its ability to inspire collective action, foster inclusivity, and navigate the intricate dynamics of political, economic, and cultural landscapes to drive meaningful change. The challenge of leadership in the context of development is further complicated by the need for adaptability and resilience. Leaders must be capable of steering their communities through uncertainties and crises, demonstrating a commitment to long-term goals while addressing immediate needs. This balance requires a nuanced approach that values empathy, ethical governance, and the empowerment of local voices, ensuring that development initiatives are both participatory and reflective of the communities they aim to serve. In an era where global challenges are increasingly complex, the role of leadership in development extends beyond immediate problem-solving to envisioning a sustainable future. Willem Fourie is an Associate Professor at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He has a joint appointment in the Stellenbosch Business School and in the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking. In Why Leaders Fail and What it Teaches Us About Leadership he delves into the critical factors that lead to leadership failure. These include a lack of awareness of one’s own shortcomings, excessive belief in one’s ability to sway others, harmful favoritism towards one’s own group, a bad fit in an organization, and poor assessment of risks. @_Willem_Fourie Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24What good leadership means – 03:25Meeting high expectations of followers – 10:02Understanding leadership failure – 14:40Leadership for longterm goals – 23:38Strategies for resolving crises – 34:22Corruption, integrity and leadership – 38:26  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The African continent is projected to have the fastest urban growth rate in the world: by 2050, Africa’s cities will be home to an additional 950 million people. While this surge presents urban centers with a wealth of opportunities such as a larger workforce, increased consumer markets, and greater potential for cultural exchange, it also brings forth substantial challenges. The rapid population growth can exacerbate existing problems such as inadequate infrastructure, housing shortages, and environmental concerns. African cities with their unique history and socio-economic landscape, must navigate these complexities while harnessing the potential for innovation and economic diversification that a growing populace brings. Obvious Katsaura is a senior lecturer in sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand. His research interests are in, and at the intersections of, the fields of transnational urbanism, transnational religiosity, religious urbanism, urban politics and urban violence. Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The development impacts of urban inequality – 03:36Fear, insecurity, and fortress mentality – 10:58Migrant life in Johannesburg – 15:38The role of churches in providing security and hope – 21:18Pentecostalism and development in Lagos – 30:38  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The landscape of democracy in Africa is characterized by a dynamic interplay between achievements and obstacles, particularly as the continent approaches a pivotal year with numerous elections scheduled in 2024. Countries such as South Africa, Namibia, Mozambique, and Senegal are preparing for electoral contests, underscoring a persistent belief in the electoral system as a legitimate means to select leaders and representatives. Despite this faith in democracy, there is widespread disenchantment with the efficacy and fairness of the electoral process, highlighted by incidents of voter fraud and judicial rulings overturning elections. Concerns about democracy also extend to the debate on presidential term limits and the apparent unwillingness of some incumbents to vacate office. Insights from Afrobarometer surveys reveal the African public’s priorities and concerns, emphasizing issues like unemployment, economic stewardship, and healthcare. These survey findings illustrate a clear demand for democratic governance amidst dissatisfaction with how democracy currently operates, particularly in relation to corruption. Yet, amidst these challenges, there exists a sense of optimism about the future of democracy in Africa. This optimism is fueled by the continent's resilient civil society, the transformative potential of its young population, and examples of successful democratic transitions, suggesting a pathway towards more effective and representative governance.Boniface Dulani is an Associate Professor of Political science at the University of Malawi. He is also the Director of Surveys for the Afrobarometer, a pan African network of researchers who conduct surveys on governance, economy, and livelihoods. @IPORMalawiResources:Africans want more democracy, but their leaders still aren’t listeningAmid rising corruption, most Africans say they risk retaliation if they speak upKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Democratic gains and reversals on the African continent – 04:30Reduction in political freedoms in exchange for development – 11:00The most important problems in 39 countries – 21:25Pervasive corruption and challenges in reporting corruption across various institutions – 40:15What we can expect from the coming round of elections in Africa – 52:10 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com