Our research explores the challenges that face emerging economies. These are not only the rising economic powers, such as Brazil, China and India, but also other middle-income developing countries like Mexico, Chile, Indonesia and Thailand. 

Middle-income developing countries have experienced rapid economic growth, as well as social and political change. Our approach is based on the understanding that these countries confront different challenges and questions to those faced by the world's very poorest countries.

For example, in emerging economies, foreign aid is often irrelevant in comparision to domestic resources. Many have experienced sustained growth and now have expanded middle, yet insecure, classes. However, these same countries are often home to substantial poverty alongside the new wealth – the majority of the world's poor live in countries officially categorised by the World Bank as 'middle income.'

Our research examines these problems in a variety of settings, with a particular focus on East and South Asia and Latin America. These regions are vastly different, but present a challenge to the historical global dominance of Europe and the USA. They offer an opportunity to reinterpret the meaning of 'international development.'

Key partners in building impact

• International civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
• National governments
• Multilateral agencies, including the United Nations

Staff associate positions

Many of our members hold associate positions at various universities and have links with universities in East and Southeast Asia, Latin America and the USA.