In Pursuit of Development

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Infrastructure, Governance, and Society in Modern Africa — Karuti Kanyinga Apr 17, 2024

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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. @karutikk

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Public perceptions of recent infrastructure projects in Nairobi – 03:18
Project modalities and demands for greater transparency – 08:09
Negotiating better deals with external actors – 14:36
The cost of politics – 22:16
Expectations of idealism in politics – 28:37
Strategies for combating corruption – 37:42

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Politics of the Planet — Lan Marie Nguyen Berg Apr 10, 2024

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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_Marie

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The importance of voting as a step for political action– 04:24
Balancing short-term voter appeasement with long-term climate goals– 08:48
How Oslo became greener – 14:07
Radical policies for long-term benefit and trade-offs – 19:28
The welfare state and growing citizen expectations – 31:10
Why the Global South reacts to preaching from the Global North – 37:58
Online abuse and the future of young European leaders – 47:44

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Tackling the Energy Access and Development Challenge — Jörg Ankel-Peters Apr 03, 2024

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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

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Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The global energy poverty challenge – 03:44
The electricity-economic growth relationship – 10:27
Expanding the grid versus mini-grids and off-grid solutions– 17:10
Health and education impacts of rural electrification– 24:27
The charcoal conundrum – 29:07
Impact of Rwanda’s Electricity Access Roll-out program (EARP) – 36:32

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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The US-China Partnership That Transformed International Trade — Elizabeth Ingleson Mar 27, 2024

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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 highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Nationbranding and the “Made in China” label – 03:14
Geopolitics and supply chain dynamics – 09:05
China’s convergence with global capitalism – 16:23
The significance of cultural change – 27:03
Fashion diplomacy, technology imports and development – 33:40
The impact on Chinese politics and society– 41:10

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Empowering Change: Leadership's Role in Global Development — Willem Fourie Mar 20, 2024

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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 highlights

Introduction – 00:24
What good leadership means – 03:25
Meeting high expectations of followers – 10:02
Understanding leadership failure – 14:40
Leadership for longterm goals – 23:38
Strategies for resolving crises – 34:22
Corruption, integrity and leadership – 38:26

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Cityscapes and Sanctuaries: Exploring the Socio-Spatial and Religious Dynamics of Johannesburg and Lagos — Obvious Katsaura Mar 13, 2024

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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 highlights

Introduction – 00:24
The development impacts of urban inequality – 03:36
Fear, insecurity, and fortress mentality – 10:58
Migrant life in Johannesburg – 15:38
The role of churches in providing security and hope – 21:18
Pentecostalism and development in Lagos – 30:38

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Voices and Votes: Shaping the Democratic Landscape in Africa — Boniface Dulani Mar 06, 2024

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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. @IPORMalawi

Resources:

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Democratic gains and reversals on the African continent – 04:30
Reduction in political freedoms in exchange for development – 11:00
The most important problems in 39 countries – 21:25
Pervasive corruption and challenges in reporting corruption across various institutions – 40:15
What we can expect from the coming round of elections in Africa – 52:10

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Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Democracy in the Balance: Navigating Latin America's Political Landscape — Gerardo Munck Feb 28, 2024

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The political landscape of Latin America has undergone major transformation since the democratization wave of the 1980s and 1990s. During this time, most democracies in the region have managed to persist, albeit with a few notable exceptions. However, the quality of these democracies has often been questioned. Guillermo O’Donnell's characterization of Latin American democracies as "strange and flawed yet surviving" aptly captures this scenario.

In Latin American Politics and Society: A Comparative and Historical Analysis, Gerardo Munck and Juan Pablo Luna argue that while Latin American countries have stabilized democratic systems, the journey towards a fully democratized society remains incomplete, as evidenced by the breakdown of democracy in some parts of the region. Various factors have contributed to the state of democracy in contemporary Latin America. The challenges facing democracy in the region range from the impact of neoliberal economic policies to the influence of external powers like the United States, the role of dominant elites, political culture, state weakness, and corruption. The growing phenomenon of populist leaders such as Nayib Bukele in El Salvador and Javier Milei in Argentina forms a crucial part of our discussion. While scrutinizing the policies of these leaders and their implications for democracy, we also examine the complexities of political inclusion in Latin American societies, including the role of women, indigenous peoples, Afro-descendants, and ordinary citizens in Latin American democracies. As scholars often point to the persistent crisis of representation in Latin American politics, it is important to explore the relationship between citizens and politicians, and the role of the judiciary in this dynamic. And although there are major shortcomings in providing equal access to political office for all societal groups, there has also been progress in some areas such as the introduction of gender quotas. A particularly important ongoing debate relates to what is considered the most effective development models for the region.

Gerardo Munck is a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California. His research focuses on democracy and democratization, state capacity, Latin America, and methodology. He has also worked on the evolution of social science knowledge. @GerardoMunck

Key highlights

Introduction – 00:24
Latin America has made progress on easy problems, but failed to resolve hard problems – 03:32
What accounts for the state of democracy today – 10:26
The dilemmas of democracy in unequal societies – 20:58
Political inclusion and political innovations – 29:12
Democracy and development – 37:35

Host:

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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