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In Pursuit of Development — Government
In Pursuit of Development

Step into conversations that travel across continents and challenge the way you think about progress. From democracy and inequality to climate resilience and healthcare, Dan Banik explores how societies navigate the complex terrain of democracy, poverty, inequality, and sustainability. Through dialogues with scholars, leaders, and innovators, In Pursuit of Development uncovers how ideas travel, why policies succeed or fail, and what it takes to build a more just and resilient world. Expect sharp insights, candid reflections, and a global perspective that connects local struggles to universal aspirations.
Listen, reflect, and be inspired to see global development in a new light. 🎧

Copyright: © 2020 Dan Banik, In Pursuit of Development

Latest Episodes:

Beyond Red Tape: Unraveling Bureaucratic Paradoxes in Public Service Delivery – Akshay Mangla Nov 29, 2023

Show notes

Scholars have highlighted the extent to which institutions in certain developing countries often lack the power to effectively project authority and implement policies. There may also be a substantial gap between public policy objectives and their actual execution, which in turn reduces the credibility and legitimacy of the state. Bureaucracies exhibit significant variation in their ability to implement policies both between and within countries, across various policy functions, and even within specific administrative tasks. While the Indian bureaucracy is often criticized for being captured and thereby unable to execute its core functions, it is at the same time able to coordinate hugely challenging tasks such as periodic elections. This paradox is further evident in the puzzling disparities in performance across Indian states, exemplified by the country’s success in eradicating polio even as its public health systems face significant challenges.

Akshay Mangla is Associate Professor of International Business at the University of Oxford, Saïd Business School. In — Making Bureaucracy Work: Norms, Education and Public Service Delivery in Rural India — he examines how and why some bureaucracies deliver education services more effectively than others. He finds that variations in bureaucratic norms (informal rules guiding public officials and their interactions with citizens) result in diverse implementation patterns and outcomes. While some agencies adhere strictly to legalistic approaches, emphasizing rule compliance, others foster deliberation and encourage flexible problem-solving with local communities, ultimately improving the quality of education services. @AkshayMangla

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
The perception of bureaucrats being slow and inefficient - 03:56
Balancing adherence to rules with exercising discretion - 06:18
Embedded autonomy and development - 17:32
The bureaucratic paradox in India - 22:14
Legalistic bureaucracy versus deliberative bureaucracy - 30:48
Engaging street-level bureaucrats in addressing and responding to local issues - 37:26
How bureaucrats respond to advance the interests of both underprivileged groups and elites - 43:41
Addressing the learning crisis in low-income countries: strategies and solutions – 51:12

Host

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Unpacking the Backlash Against Globalization and its Impact on Inequality – Pinelopi Koujianou Goldberg Nov 22, 2023

Show notes

Globalization is a force that has transformed our world in ways both remarkable and challenging. From the historic wave of trade liberalizations in the late 20th century to the monumental rise of China, an intricate interplay of a range of forces has molded the interconnected nature of our planet. Along the way, we have witnessed the decline of manufacturing in advanced economies and the far-reaching impacts of trade on global poverty, inequality, and labor markets. Despite a rapid advance for two decades, globalization slowed after the 2008–2009 financial crisis, but it did not come to a halt. But we have witnessed in recent years a backlash against globalization, particularly in some of the world’s largest economies, including two of globalization’s bastions, the United States and Great Britain. So, is the world economy deglobalizing? Is globalization in crisis? And are we witnessing the beginning of a new era?

Pinelopi (Penny) Koujianou Goldberg is the Elihu Professor of Economics at Yale University and the former chief economist of the World Bank Group. Penny was recently in Oslo to deliver the WIDER Annual lecture. We used that opportunity to engage in a discussion centred around her latest book with Greg Larson – The Unequal Effects of Globalization. @PennyG_Yale

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Globalization and development - 03:13
Winners and losers of hyperglobalization - 09:00
Reasons for dissatisfaction in the Global South - 16:22
Backlash against globalization in the Global North - 26:40
How China and many others benefited from globalization - 33:44
TRIPS waiverand manufacturing capacity - 41:26
Climate disruption and future of multilateralism - 45:40
Is degrowth feasible? – 52:40

Host

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

A New Horizon: Advancing Public Sector Reform in Africa – Happy Kayuni Nov 15, 2023

Show notes

Many African countries have undergone various phases of public sector reform aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery. But how effective have such reforms been? How and to what extent can some of these reforms be characterised as "institutional mimicry", where institutions adopt the language and behavior of reform without necessarily achieving substantial changes on the ground? How meritocratic is the civil service? And what about political interference, bureaucratic motivation and/or demotivation, corruption, and the role and influence of external actors?

Happy Kayuni is a professor of political science at the University of Malawi’s Politics and Government Department. He is currently also the Executive Dean of the School of Law, Economics and Government at the University of Malawi. His main areas of expertise are in the following areas: political governance, public administration and management, and gender and international development policy. @HappyKayuni

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Development or the lack of it in Malawi - 03:50
State capacity, policy formulation and implementation - 06:56
Everyday challenges facing civil servants - 13:50
The major areas of public sector reforms on the African continent - 22:20
Reforms for whom and for what - 29:05
Instituting discipline in the civil service - 40:55
Legitimacy of the state and role of external actors - 46:44

Host

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Political Constraints in Growth and Development: Moving beyond talking about them to actually tackling them – Peter Evans Nov 08, 2023

Show notes

Although political constraints have significant negative impacts on development, mainstream approaches to addressing these issues are often primarily technical and lack a willingness to understand and address political economy factors. Despite decades of technical efforts in sectors like health, education, and climate, some critical problems persist, such as drug supply losses, tree planting failures, and chronic absenteeism in health and education.

Peter Evans is a governance specialist with wide-ranging experience and expertise across international development and social research. He holds a PhD in medical geography and was previously Team Leader of the Governance, Conflict, Inclusion and Humanitarian Research Team at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). In this role, Peter designed and led the Anti-Corruption Evidence (ACE) programme. Until recently, he was director of the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre at the Chr. Michelsen Institute (CMI) in Bergen. @PeterEvans_Guv

Peter argues that the supply of practical political economy research is limited and often falls short of practicality and accessibility, shaped more by researchers' interests and fund availability than the needs of policymakers or practitioners. Political economy research is further hindered by its sensitivity and riskiness, making it challenging for researchers, particularly in politically unstable or corrupt environments. On the demand side, there is a lack of structured efforts to understand and address political constraints in global investments for growth and development. Politics is often relegated to a risk rather than a problem to be understood and engaged with. And many actors in the field, including national governments, bilateral agencies, and multilateral organizations, often avoid addressing political economy factors, which hinders effective development outcomes.

Resources

Key highlights

Introduction - 00:24
Wicked problems and progress - 03:50
Taking politics seriously - 08:08
Tackling corruption - 20:25
Why capacity building initiatives do not work - 36:20
Political settlements and public procurement - 44:07
Anti-corruption: What should researchers, donors, and governments focus more on - 53:52

Host

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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India's Aspirations on the Global Stage — Suhasini Haidar Nov 01, 2023

Show notes

India's journey from a post-colonial nation to a global powerhouse has been nothing short of remarkable. The journey to this point has been marked by twists and turns, economic reforms, and strategic partnerships that have propelled India onto the world stage in ways that were once unimaginable. In the process, it has become an economic powerhouse, fostering innovation, trade, and partnerships that have set the world abuzz.

But India's story isn't just about impressive economic growth. It's also about the democratic values that shape its identity. Indeed, India's status as the world's largest democracy empowers it to play a pivotal role in shaping global governance and navigating the geopolitical terrain. How then has India harnessed its diverse culture, technological prowess, and military might to expand its global reach? What kind of global power does India aspire to be? And what are the potential dilemmas in India’s great power ambitions?

Suhasini Haidar is the Diplomatic Editor of The Hindu, one of India’s oldest and most respected national dailies. She was previously correspondent for CNN International’s New Delhi bureau and prime time anchor for a leading 24-hr English news channel CNN-IBN. Apart from writing for The Hindu, she hosts a weekly online show called WorldView with Suhasini Haidar. @suhasinih

Note: This episode was recorded in New Delhi in July 2023, well the BRICS summit in August that resulted in an expansion of the BRICS group of countries, and before the G20 Leaders’ Declaration that was adopted at the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Summit held in September.

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
India’s place in the world - 05:02
Democracy, foreign policy, and the Global South - 10:48
Soft power and India’s position on the war in Ukraine - 16:01
Resurrecting BRICS and South-South Cooperation - 24:42
Balancing relations with United States and China - 33:32
The G20 Presidency experience - 39:58
Foreign policy aspirations – 47:00

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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Apple Spotify YouTube

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Humanity's Enduring Quest for Power and Prosperity – Daron Acemoglu Oct 25, 2023

Show notes

We engage in a discussion centered around Daron Acemoglu's latest book, co-authored with Simon Johnson, titled Power and Progress: Our Thousand-Year Struggle Over Technology and Prosperity. The choices we make regarding technology can either advance the interests of a select elite or serve as the foundation for widespread prosperity. But technology's trajectory can be, and should be, controlled and directed for the benefit of all. The remarkable advances in computing over the past fifty years have the potential to be tools of empowerment and democratization, but only if decision-making power is dispersed rather than concentrated in the hands of a few overconfident tech leaders.

Daron Acemoglu is Professor of Economics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MIT. @DAcemogluMIT

(Cover photo of Daron Acemoglu by Cody O'Loughlin)

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
Understanding “progress” - 04:06
Optimism in an era of doom and gloom - 12:00
The power of persuasion - 16:10
Shared prosperity, welfare, and whether technology is always useful - 25:08
Machine intelligence vs. machine usefulness - 30:12
How technology (e.g., AI) can help promote development in low-income countries - 36:50

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (@danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Unveiling the Global Tapestry: Liberalism, Democracy, and the Path to Development – Francis Fukuyama Jun 28, 2023

Show notes

Grounded in fundamental principles of equality and the rule of law, liberalism is a system for governing diverse societies and emphasizes the rights of individuals to pursue their own forms of happiness free from government encroachment. But classical liberalism is in a state of crisis and is now being challenged from both the political right and the left. In his latest book – Liberalism and its discontents – Francis Fukuyama outlines some of the main reasons for the current state of crisis and offers a defense of a revitalized liberalism for the twenty-first century.

Francis Fukuyama is the Olivier Nomellini Senior Fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies (FSI), and a faculty member of FSI's Center on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law. He is also Director of Stanford's Ford Dorsey Master's in International Policy, and a professor of political science. Twitter: @FukuyamaFrancis

(Cover photo of Francis Fukuyama by Rod Searcey)

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:24
The debate on democratic backsliding - 03:30
Democracy and “good enough governance” - 08:25
Distinguishing between liberalism and democracy - 16:05
Moral and economic justifications for liberalism - 24:24
Inequality as a cause of discontentment - 38:33
Alternatives to liberalism - 43:43
How AI will impact democracies - 57:17

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Unraveling Brazil's political and legal landscape – Conrado Hübner Mendes Jun 21, 2023

Show notes

In the wake of President Lula's re-election, Brazil finds itself at a critical juncture, with numerous questions arising about the relationship between the political, legislative, and judicial systems. As Brazil grapples with its political dynamics, it is crucial to understand the extent to which the judiciary maintains its autonomy and upholds the rule of law. In this episode, we dive deep into this crucial aspect, highlighting the challenges and potential implications for the country's democratic fabric.

Conrado Hübner Mendes is a Professor of Constitutional Law at the University of São Paulo. His work encompasses the separation of powers, judicial review, theories of justice and democracy, and the Brazilian Federal Supreme Court. Twitter: @conradohubner

Key highlights:

Introduction - 00:43
Current political situation in Brazil - 03:10
Relationship between the political and judicial systems - 06:38
Tackling poverty, inequality, and corruption - 23:36
Constitutionalization of environmental protection in Latin America- 29:54

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

Apple Google Spotify YouTube

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/
https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

Subscribe:

Apple Spotify YouTube

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Planet & Progress: Navigating Climate, Poverty, and Aid — Anne Beathe Tvinnereim Jun 14, 2023

Show notes

Our world is currently facing numerous crises. While progress on global poverty reduction has stalled, the incidence of violent conflicts is on the rise. Along with rising poverty and inequality in some parts of the world, geopolitical tensions are also fast escalating, and we are in the midst of a climate crisis that requires urgent political action. The resources available to address these numerous challenges appear, however, to be grossly inadequate. There is growing concern whether and to what extent rich countries are willing to take on greater responsibility for addressing global challenges, including increased finance for sustainable development, climate adaptation, and global public goods. The case of Norway is particularly interesting. It is extremely wealthy, frequently tops human development rankings, and is often praised for being a generous provider of foreign aid. But it is also a major exporter of oil and gas. Does this mean that Norway should take on additional global responsibilities? And although foreign aid can only provide a small fraction of the required resources, it is nonetheless of crucial importance in many low-income countries. What then is the future of aid in a fragmented world order where countries are becoming more selfish? Should Norway be doing much more than it already is? If so, what?

Anne Beathe Tvinnereim is Norway’s Minister of International Development. She has had a long and distinguished career in politics and diplomacy, and is currently the deputy leader of the Centre Party, which forms the ruling coalition together with the Labour party. Anne Beathe studied political science at the University of Oslo and wrote a thought-provoking Master’s thesis over a decade ago on aid. Twitter: @AnneBeathe_

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

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Subscribe:

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/
https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

Subscribe:

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https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

Forging New Paths in Challenging Geopolitical Landscapes — Stephen D. Krasner Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

Steve Krasner has for decades been one of the most influential international relations scholars in the world. He is the Graham H. Stuart Professor of International Relations and a Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Freeman Spogli Institute and the Hoover Institution.In 2002, he served as Director for Governance and Development at the National Security Council. And from 2005 to 2007, he was Director of the Policy Planning at the US Department of State.

In his latest book, How to Make Love to a Despot: An alternative foreign policy for the 21st Century, Steve Krasner argues that because prosperous, democratic nations are exceptions in international politics, the United States ought to adopt policies “acceptable to despotic rulers”. This means coming to terms with the “good-enough governance” of nondemocratic governments rather than trying to consolidate democracy around the world.

Host:

Professor Dan Banik (Twitter: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod)

Apple Google Spotify YouTube

Subscribe:

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/
https://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com/

Host:

Professor Dan Banik,

Centre for Global Sustainability, University of Oslo

Subscribe:

Apple Spotify YouTube

https://globaldevpod.substack.com/

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