The Politics of Development in the Global South Training Course

The Politics of Development in the Global South Training Course

Introduction

The Politics of Development in the Global South Training Course offers a comprehensive and critical exploration of the intricate relationship between politics, power, and socio-economic development in the Global South. In an era of rapid globalization and shifting geopolitical dynamics, understanding the political drivers of inequality, poverty reduction, and sustainable progress is more critical than ever. We'll navigate complex issues from the legacies of colonialism and neoliberalism to the rise of new actors in global governance. Participants will gain the analytical skills to deconstruct political institutions, power structures, and policy-making processes that shape development trajectories.

This course goes beyond conventional economic models, emphasizing the political dimensions of development challenges such as climate change, public health crises, and gender inequality. We will analyze how political economy, state capacity, and civil society engagement influence developmental outcomes. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks and real-world case studies, this training empowers professionals to critically evaluate development interventions and advocate for more inclusive, equitable, and politically informed strategies for sustainable change.

Course Duration

5 days

Course Objectives

1. Analyze the historical and geopolitical contexts that have shaped development in the Global South.
2. Deconstruct the relationship between political institutions, governance, and economic performance.
3. Critically evaluate the role of international aid, multilateral institutions, and foreign policy in development.
4. Examine the politics of resource governance and the impacts of extractivism on local communities.
5. Understand the dynamics of political instability, conflict, and post-conflict reconstruction in developing nations.
6. Assess the challenges and opportunities of democratization, electoral politics, and state-building.
7. Explore the intersection of gender, social justice, and development policy.
8. Investigate the role of civil society organizations, social movements, and non-state actors in promoting development.
9. Analyze the political dimensions of climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.
10. Understand the political economy of urbanization and rural development.
11. Develop a nuanced understanding of South-South cooperation and the rise of emerging powers.
12. Formulate evidence-based policy recommendations grounded in political analysis.
13. Learn to apply critical theory and post-colonial perspectives to contemporary development issues.

Target Audience

1. Development Practitioners and professionals working in NGOs, international organizations, and government agencies.
2. Policy Makers and civil servants involved in foreign affairs and international development.
3. Researchers and academics in the fields of political science, international relations, and development studies.
4. Journalists and media professionals reporting on global affairs and developing countries.
5. Graduate Students pursuing advanced degrees in related fields.
6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) managers and private sector professionals.
7. Diplomats and embassy staff serving in the Global South.
8. Activists and advocates working on social and environmental justice issues.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Development Politics

• Concepts of Development: Beyond GDPhuman development, capabilities approach, and well-being.
• Historical Legacies: Colonialism, post-colonialism, and the North-South divide.
• Political Economy Frameworks: Dependency theory, world-systems theory, and neoliberalism.
• State and Governance: State capacity, state failure, and good governance.
• Case Study: The role of political institutions in South Korea's economic miracle vs. Ghana's development challenges.

Module 2: International Actors and Global Governance

• Foreign Aid and Conditionality: The politics of aid delivery and its effectiveness.
• International Financial Institutions: The World Bank, IMF, and the politics of structural adjustment.
• Multilateralism and Emerging Powers: The changing roles of the UN and the rise of the BRICS.
• North-South Relations: Trade, debt, and global inequality.
• Case Study: The political implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Africa.

Module 3: Conflict, Security, and Development

• Politics of Conflict: Causes of civil war and armed conflict in the Global South.
• Humanitarian Intervention and Post-Conflict Reconstruction: The political challenges of rebuilding states.
• Resource Wars: The link between natural resources and conflict.
• Security and Development Nexus: How security policies impact development outcomes.
• Case Study: The resource curse in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Module 4: The Politics of Public Policy

• Public Service Delivery: Politics of health, education, and social protection.
• Anti-Corruption and Accountability: The political challenges of fighting corruption.
• Infrastructure Politics: The role of patronage and clientelism in large-scale projects.
• Development Planning: Policy-making processes and stakeholder influence.
• Case Study: The politics of providing universal healthcare in Brazil.

Module 5: Democracy, Participation, and Civil Society

• Democratization and Development: Debating the relationship between political systems and economic growth.
• Electoral Politics: Voter behavior, party systems, and political clientelism.
• Civil Society: The role of NGOs, social movements, and activism.
• Rights-Based Approaches: Incorporating human rights into development.
• Case Study: The influence of social movements on land reform policy in Bolivia.

Module 6: Gender, Inclusion, and Social Justice

• Gender and Development: Analyzing the political dimensions of gender inequality.
• Politics of Exclusion: Marginalized groups, identity politics, and social justice.
• Empowerment and Participation: Political strategies for empowering women and minorities.
• Cultural and Social Norms: The role of culture in shaping development politics.
• Case Study: Gender quotas and their political impact in Rwanda.

Module 7: Environment, Climate Change, and Urbanization

• Politics of Climate Change: International negotiations and the North-South divide.
• Environmental Governance: State and non-state actors in environmental policy.
• Urbanization and Slums: The political economy of rapid urban growth.
• Sustainable Development: The politics of implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Case Study: The politics of water scarcity and resource management in Cape Town.

Module 8: The Future of Development in the Global South

• Rise of the Global South: Shifting power dynamics and new geopolitical alliances.
• Technological Change: The politics of digital technology and development.
• Pandemics and Global Crises: The political responses to global health crises.
• Futures Thinking: Scenarios for development in the 21st century.
• Case Study: Analyzing the political and economic implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on developing economies.

Training Methodology

• Instructor-Led Presentations.
• Case Study Analysis.
• Interactive Group Discussions.
• Role-Playing and Simulations.
• Multimedia Resources
• Expert Guest Speakers
• Practical Exercises.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.