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

BRICS

Non-Aligned Movement

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

55 ratings

Publishes	Twice weekly	Episodes	165	Founded	6 years ago
Number of Listeners		Categories	ScienceNewsSocial SciencesPolitics

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Latest Episodes

Can philosophy save a world obsessed with power? – Thomas Pogge

In an era of intensifying great-power rivalry, shrinking foreign aid budgets, and declining faith in multilateralism, what role is left for global justice? In this wide-ranging conversation, the Yale philosopher Thomas Pogge joins Dan Banik in Oslo t... more

25 Feb 2026 • 37 min

YouTube

Debt, development finance, and global agency – David McNair

In this episode of In Pursuit of Development, Dan Banik is joined by Dr. David McNair, Executive Director of ONE.org, for a conversation on the future of activism and global development in an age of overlapping crises. At a time when debt distress is... more

18 Feb 2026 • 48 min

YouTube

Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

In this episode of In Pursuit of Development, Dan Banik speaks with Yale historian David Engerman about how “development” became one of the most powerful and contested ideas of the modern era. Drawing on Engerman’s 2025 book Apostles of Development: ... more

11 Feb 2026 • 53 min

YouTube

Making evidence actually usable – Lindsey Moore

This episode of In Pursuit of Development explores how AI is reshaping the way development organizations learn from evidence, unlocking lessons buried in evaluations and reports, and helping practitioners make better decisions in complex, fast-moving... more

4 Feb 2026 • 45 min

YouTube

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

David McNair

Executive Director at one.org

one.org

Episode: Debt, development finance, and global agency – David McNair

David Engerman

Leitner International Interdisciplinary Professor of History at Yale University

Yale University

Episode: Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

Lindsey Moore

CEO and founder of DevelopMetrics, a technology social business driving social impact and promoting equity worldwide.

DevelopMetrics

Episode: Making evidence actually usable – Lindsey Moore

Dr. Arve Hansen

Research Professor at the University of Oslo, with a focus on Vietnam's socio-economic dynamics.

University of Oslo

Episode: Vietnam’s remarkable development turnaround – Arve Hansen

Todd Moss

Founder and Executive Director of the Energy for Growth Hub, expert on energy, development finance, and foreign policy

Episode: Energy for growth on the African continent – Todd Moss

Florian Krampe

Director of Studies for Peace and Development at the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

Episode: Climate, conflict and the development squeeze – Florian Krampe

Nilima Gulrajani

Principal Research Fellow at the Overseas Development Institute, studying aid organization and effectiveness.

Overseas Development Institute

Episode: Aid at the breaking point – Nilima Gulrajani

Benedicte Bull

Professor of Political Science at the University of Oslo's Centre for Global Sustainability.

University of Oslo

Episode: How Latin America sees the new Global South – Benedicte Bull

Max Gallien

Political scientist and research fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex

Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex

Episode: Borders, bargains, and the business of smuggling – Max Gallien

Host

Dan Banik

Professor specializing in development, democracy, and global governance. Known for insightful analysis of complex social issues.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 55 ratings

Season 6 is spectacular
After a long break, it is delightful to see Dan back on the airwaves. And season 6 has not disappointed so far. Keep up the good work. We are grateful for this exceptional public good.
Apple Podcasts
5
Derrick_Amh
Norwaya month ago
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

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Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the insightful discussions and diverse topics covered, finding them both enlightening and reflective of current global challenges.

The caliber of guests and the depth of conversation are often highlighted as significant strengths, offering fresh perspectives on complex issues.

Many express gratitude for the podcast's ability to connect local struggles with broader global narratives, fostering a sense of community and understanding among listeners.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts	#22	United States/Science/Social Sciences
Apple Podcasts	#157	United States/Science
Apple Podcasts	#153	United Kingdom/Science/Social Sciences
Apple Podcasts	#56	France/Science/Social Sciences
Apple Podcasts	#134	Italy/Science/Social Sciences
Apple Podcasts	#212	Germany/Science/Social Sciences

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

Q: How did the remaining five view Manmohan Singh's tenure as Prime Minister?

The views were mixed, with some disappointment from Bhagwati regarding the stalled liberalization efforts during Singh's prime ministership, contrasting with Sen and Sobhan's more nuanced perceptions.

Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

Q: What are the core ideas that these six individuals came up with that contrasted with global north perspectives?

They focused on understanding local economic realities, critiquing models like modernization theory and emphasizing the importance of trade, inequality, and the unique socio-political landscapes of their home countries.

Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

Q: How would you characterize the uniqueness of this group of apostles that you discuss in your book?

These six economists came from similar backgrounds and were part of a generation that believed they could create a modern economy, showing a mix of conviction and internal disagreements which significantly impacted development discourse.

Six economists and the making of modern development – David Engerman

Q: Can you give a brief history of the idea of development?

Development has been seen as both a colonial ideology and a nationalist project, where its goals have continuously evolved and been hotly contested among different nations and perspectives.

Debt, development finance, and global agency – David McNair

Q: Are there any other urges, are there burning issues that you think we should tackle, that the world should be focusing on, both in terms of academia, activists, politicians, practitioners?

David McNair suggests focusing on inequality not just between countries but within them, indicating the need for shared projects that benefit both rich and poor nations. He emphasizes the importance of creating mutually reinforcing policies that address local needs while connecting to global challenges.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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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?

Conversations challenge conventional notions surrounding development, focusing on critical themes such as democracy, inequality, climate resilience, and healthcare. Guest dialogues encompass a spectrum of perspectives from scholars, leaders, and innovators, exploring the dynamics that influence policy success and failure. The discussions often reveal the interconnectedness of local issues with broader global trends, while inviting listeners to engage with the pressing challenges of our time, such as poverty and sustainability. The unique approach enables a thoughtful examination of complex topics, inspiring reflection and action towards building a more just and resilient world.

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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 Foreign Affairs Interview
2. The Rachman Review
3. Americast
4. Odd Lots
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of In Pursuit of Development are there?

In Pursuit of Development launched 6 years ago and published 165 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. David McNair
2. David Engerman
3. Lindsey Moore
4. Dr. Arve Hansen
5. Todd Moss
6. Florian Krampe
7. Nilima Gulrajani
8. Benedicte Bull

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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