This course examines the evolving nature of global development challenges—such as resource scarcity, climate change, migration, and inequalities—that impact both developed and developing regions. As globalization reshapes economies and societies, addressing these issues requires collaborative, multi-stakeholder approaches. However, solutions are not straightforward, as power dynamics, diverse interests, and inequalities often complicate progress, making it crucial to move beyond linear, controllable models of development.
The course provides a deep understanding of international development, focusing on cross-cutting issues like migration, digitalization, health, and food security. Key case studies from countries such as Kenya, Ukraine, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Kazakhstan, Indonesia and other are used to highlight localized challenges and opportunities. These examples illustrate the varied impacts and adaptations to global trends within different regions, particularly across the Global South. Additionally, the course critically assesses the role and performance of development actors, including how their value is increasingly measured by outcomes rather than intentions.
This course also emphasizes the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (2016-2030) alongside the proposed UN Convention on the Right to Development, exploring their relevance and limitations. By engaging with concepts of power, inequality, and social inclusion, participants gain insights into the underlying forces shaping development. The course’s interdisciplinary approach, enriched by collaboration with VU Amsterdam’s Centre for International Cooperation, encourages students to think critically about development, equipping them with skills to recognize and evaluate diverse perspectives. Through interactive learning and applied projects, participants will acquire tools to approach international development with a nuanced, global perspective.