United States Institute of Peace

International Network for Economics and Conflict

The Politics of Poverty: Elites, Citizens and States - Findings from Ten Years of DFID-funded Research on Governance and Fragile States 2001–2010

Written by DFID

This paper provides a brief overview of what DFID funded research programmes have discovered about governance, fragility and conflict in the developing world. The key message from all four research programmes is that to understand development we must understand the politics that shape it. Ultimately it is political decisions that will shape whether or not the Millennium Development Goals are reached, revenues are raised to fund investment, and growth occurs. This research adds depth to our understanding of development as a political process, provides rich evidence based on country experience, and points to the questions which aid agencies must address in order to be effective – including in more fragile countries. It demonstrates that durable reforms need to be constructed, nationally and locally, in a way that fits each political context and it challenges donors to build the capacity to contribute to this effectively.

http://www.dfid.gov.uk/Documents/publications1/evaluation/plcy-pltcs-dfi...

Connect With Us

Our Partners

Economists for Peace & Security Logo