We have a different agenda to traditional development studies centres in the UK and internationally. Our department focuses mainly on emerging economies, which are the most dynamic poles of development in the world economy.
Our research seeks to explore critical perspectives on economic growth, modernisation, and ‘progress’. We aim to do so by exploring context-specific economic, social and political change in these countries rather than applying prescriptive models of development.
The work of our members and international collaborators focuses on how societies move towards more inclusive modes of economic, social and political development, what can hold this back, and how these challenges can be overcome. These include Inclusive development: the policies, politics and economics of ensuring the broad population share in the benefits of growth and wealth. And National development: the policies, politics and economics of promoting and sustaining economic development within a global context.
Our research expertise
Our research expertise spans political science, sociology, social anthropology, development economics, history, geography and business and management.
Our research work has received financial support from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Medical Research Council (MRC), Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), Wellcome Trust, Leverhulme Trust, British Academy, various United Nations agencies, and other funders.
We also have strong regional expertise and collaborations in China, India, Latin America, Southeast Asia and Africa.
Recent publications
See a full list of our publications