Development cooperation – Debating Development Research

02/04/202429/04/2024

German Development Policy – Between Global Needs and National Debates

By Sven Grimm / Part of the European Development Policy Outlook Series

The global crises are numerous and the requirements for international engagement are increasing for Europe – and eyes are turning to Germany, the largest country in the EU. Multiple crises require a wide range of measures: from climate policy and the closely related energy transition to securing trade routes in the Gulf of Aden, from responding to diplomatic and humanitarian needs in the Middle East and the Sahel to providing financial and military support for Ukraine. How does all this shape the context for German development policy change? What political developments are likely to drive German global engagement?

18/03/202419/03/2024

From Development Policy to International Cooperation? Europe’s Evolving Agenda in a Geopolitical Era

By Pauline Veron and Andrew Sherriff / Part of the European Development Policy Outlook Series

The idea that the normative foundations of European development policy would be somewhat immune from geopolitics and national political shifts was always wishful thinking. As policy priorities are being rethought and rewritten, a more openly transactional and self-interested approach to foreign policy and economic relations is gaining momentum. Development policy (and ODA spending) in Europe is increasingly being presented as part of a wider approach to international cooperation rather than something distinct.

26/02/202429/04/2024

DFID 2.0…? Some Wild-ish Speculation on UK Development Cooperation, 2025-2030

By Andy Sumner / Part of the European Development Policy Outlook Series

The UK will have a general election by January 2025, most likely in autumn 2024, perhaps close to the US presidential election.

The polls suggest a potential wipe-out for the ruling Conservative party, who have been in government since 2010. A majority in the House of Commons looks likely for the Labour Party, though it can’t be taken for granted and may be much smaller than the polls suggest. Although some kind of Labour majority seems the most likely outcome, it is important not to dismiss the potential for a coalition (e.g. Labour-Liberal Democrat) government if there isn’t a majority for any party.

23/01/2023

Decentralised Development Cooperation: potential and practices from an international perspective

By Jorge Gutiérrez Goiria

What role should municipal and regional governments play in international cooperation? For some time now, the processes and results of traditional development cooperation have been under scrutiny, and its main parameters are being reconsidered with regard to its own objectives, agents and instruments, which prove to be insufficient to face global challenges.

Decentralised development cooperation (DDC), promoted by local governments, offers a promising approach here. Its practices can promote relations of cooperation and solidarity with greater horizontality and reciprocity, as they naturally involve different actors while responding to problems close to the citizenry.