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In Pursuit of Development

Dan Banik
Global South
United States
China
Serbia
Poverty Reduction
Active Non-Alignment
Democracy
European Union
Bangladesh
Climate Change
Protests
Balkans
Non-Aligned Movement
BRICS
Corruption
Democratic Backsliding
Global Development
Famine Of 1974
Student Protests
Political System

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, wh... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes152Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsScienceSocial SciencesPolitics

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Artwork for In Pursuit of Development

Latest Episodes

As globalization gives way to fragmentation, the politics of finance and development are shifting fast. Tariffs, trade wars, and geopolitical rivalries are redrawing economic maps, while traditional sources of aid are shrinking. In this environment, ... more

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In this episode of In Pursuit of Development, Dan Banik sits down with Rachel Glennerster, President of the Center for Global Development (CGD), to discuss how the global development landscape is being reshaped by shifting politics, tighter budgets, ... more

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Malawi has once again gone to the polls, reaffirming its reputation as one of Africa’s most enduring democracies. In September 2025, former president Peter Mutharika returned to power after defeating Lazarus Chakwera in a peaceful transfer of power t... more

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One year after a deadly train-station collapse in Novi Sad that killed sixteen people, Serbia’s student-led protests have become a powerful challenge to corruption, impunity, and democratic decay.

In this episode, Dan Banik speaks with Nemanja Džuve... more

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Recent Guests

Hong Bo
Professor in Financial Economics at SOAS, University of London
SOAS, University of London
Episode: China’s evolving role in global development finance – Hong Bo
Happy Kayuni
Professor of Political Science and Executive Dean at the University of Malawi
University of Malawi
Episode: Democracy against the odds – Happy Kayuni
Nemanja Džuverović
Professor of Peace Studies at the University of Belgrade and an analyst focused on democracy, inequality, and post-conflict reconstruction.
University of Belgrade
Episode: The protest that changed Serbia – Nemanja Džuverović
Jorge Heine
Former Chilean Minister of State and ambassador to China, India, and South Africa, co-author of "The Non-Aligned World Striking Out in an Era of Great Power Competition"
Chilean Government
Episode: Why choosing sides is out of style – Jorge Heine
Joseph Asunka
CEO of Afrobarometer, overseeing its expansion in challenging environments.
Afrobarometer
Episode: Africa’s pulse: Listening to citizens in an age of uncertainty – Joseph Asunka
Naomi Hossain
Global Research Professor in Development Studies at SOAS University of London
SOAS University of London
Episode: Bangladesh: How a ‘basket case’ became a development pioneer – Naomi Hossain
Ronny Patz
Independent UN financing analyst and co-author of Managing Money and Discord in the UN
Episode: How to Save the United Nations from Financial Meltdown — Ronny Patz

Host

Dan Banik
Professor at the University of Oslo and host specializing in global development issues, focusing on how societies navigate complex political, social, and economic challenges.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 52 ratings
  • Always something to learn

    I love Dan Banik’s podcast. Excellent selection of speakers and topics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Joggisjoggis
    Norway4 years ago
  • The best podcast on global development

    I have for long wanted to listen to a thorough discussion on development-related topics. I finally found this podcast where Professor Banik invites many excellent guests and discusses the issues in-depth. This is an outstanding effort and the transcripts are also very valuable. Please continue the good work, Prof Banik. You deserve the thanks of your thousands of listeners.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DevelopmentIssues-junkie
    India4 years ago
  • A real gem

    Stumbled on this recently and the preparation put into each interview is great. Really insightful!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    camwho?
    Australia4 years ago
  • Interesting, nuanced and thoughtful about development, poverty and democracy

    Congratulations to professor Dan Banik for an excellent podcast on a great variety of development issues. Food for thought!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Margunnis
    United States5 years ago
  • Wow!

    This podcast is great!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    darth.suluxis
    Norway5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The content is described as interesting and thoughtful, especially regarding development, poverty, and democracy.
Listeners appreciate the outstanding selection of speakers and topics, noting the podcast's excellent preparation and insightful discussions.
Many express gratitude for the thought-provoking nature of the conversations and the clarity in the addressing of complex issues.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Democracy against the odds – Happy Kayuni
Q: How would you characterize the recent election results, especially considering the incumbent did not campaign extensively?
The results were surprising as they showed that the DPP managed to secure a majority, indicating that dissatisfaction with the incumbent was a significant factor driving votes towards the DPP despite minimal campaigning.
Democracy against the odds – Happy Kayuni
Q: How would you position your country, the democratic ethos, the democratic culture, the very fact that Malawi has had sustained democracy since 1994 in relation to the wider issues of democratic backsliding?
Malawi's democracy is thriving despite economic challenges, and this stands in contrast to many nations experiencing democratic backsliding, signaling that the country's citizens value democracy highly even without material rewards.
The protest that changed Serbia – Nemanja Džuverović
Q: How do you see the future of the protests and their impact?
There are multiple scenarios, but a likely outcome is a united effort by the student movement and opposition parties to participate in the presidential elections in 2027, which may be the turning point for change in Serbia.
The protest that changed Serbia – Nemanja Džuverović
Q: How do younger generations perceive the relationship with the US?
Younger generations in Serbia do not have strong anti-American sentiments but do not see tangible benefits from the relationship with the US, despite the country traditionally siding with Trump.
The protest that changed Serbia – Nemanja Džuverović
Q: What are the most important demands made by the student movement that have been met?
The government and prime minister resigned, which were seen as formal successes, but significant power still rests with President Aleksandar Vučić who has not resigned, showing the shortcomings of the protests.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About In Pursuit of Development

What is In Pursuit of Development about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A distinctive examination of global development is presented through insightful conversations addressing topics such as democracy, inequality, climate resilience, and healthcare. Engaging dialogues with scholars, leaders, and innovators reveal how societies tackle challenges related to progress and policy efficacy. The program stands out for its ability to connect local struggles with broader aspirations for a more just and sustainable world, providing listeners with unique perspectives and reflections that inspire action and thought.

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Which podcasts are similar to In Pursuit of Development?

These podcasts share a similar audience with In Pursuit of Development:

1. The Horn
2. Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci
3. Empire
4. Global Dispatches -- World News That Matters
5. Intelligence Squared

How many episodes of In Pursuit of Development are there?

In Pursuit of Development launched 5 years ago and published 152 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on In Pursuit of Development?

Recent guests on In Pursuit of Development include:

1. Hong Bo
2. Happy Kayuni
3. Nemanja Džuverović
4. Jorge Heine
5. Joseph Asunka
6. Naomi Hossain
7. Ronny Patz

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