An Introduction to International Development

Looking for an introductory book to share or use in an undergraduate course? Radelet's 2015 The Great Surge is worth considering, particularly for the economics side of development. He introduces readers to key thinkers and books, supporting some and disputing others. Very readable. From the book;

• 'We live at a time of the greatest development progress among the global poor in the history of the world. Never before have so many people, in so many developing countries, made so much progress in so short a time in reducing poverty, increasing incomes, improving health, reducing conflict and war, and spreading democracy." (p. 1)
  
• "In my view, widespread development progress requires three factors to work together in concert: the creation of favorable global conditions to development, the formation of meaningful opportunities for individuals and communities to make economic and social progress, and the development of the right skills and capabilities to take advantage of those opportunities – one of the most important of which at a national level is leadership." (p. 16)
  

On the future of development:

• "One scenario is that the development transformation continues: sustained growth, smart investments and policy choices, continued advances in technology and ideas, stronger health and education systems, and deepening democracy lead to growing prosperity and improved welfare in the coming decades … A second future is one in which development progress slows considerably. China's rapid economic expansion decelerates, the US and European economies remain sluggish, and economic growth and job creation begin to weaken across many developing countries. More nations follow Thailand and Venezuela and step backward in democracy… A third scenario is that development progress is derailed: population pressures, resource demand, climate change, environmental degradation, and growing conflict and war combine to halt and in some countries reverse development progress." (p. 22-23)