What Graduate Student in International Development Must Learn

  As a professor in International Development (ID), I often meet passionate students who want to make a real difference in the world—eradicating poverty, building fair institutions, or promoting sustainable futures. Yet many don’t know where to begin.

  So, let me offer you a roadmap. Whether you’re in a Master’s or PhD program, there are six essential areas of knowledge that you must master to truly become a leader in this field. Below, I’ll guide you through each domain, along with key textbooks that will support your journey.

1. Development Theories & History

   You need to understand how the idea of “development” itself has evolved. From modernization theory to dependency theory, from world-systems theory to postcolonial critiques, these frameworks shape how we define problems—and solutions—in the Global South.

Key Books:

• Economic Development by Todaro & Smith
• Development as Freedom by Amartya Sen
• Encountering Development by Arturo Escobar.

2. Global Political Economy & Governance

No development occurs in isolation. You must grasp how global systems—like trade, finance, and international institutions—interact with local realities. From the World Bank to the SDGs, understanding governance is non-negotiable.

Key Books:

• International Political Economy by Frieden & Lake
• Globalization and Its Discontents by Joseph Stiglitz
• Readings in Human Development by Fukuda-Parr & Kumar

3. Aid, Development Policy & Institutions

  You’ll soon realize that foreign aid is complex. It can empower or undermine. We explore the roles of USAID, UNDP, World Bank, and NGOs, while also critically examining policy impacts on real people.

Key Books:

• The Bottom Billion by Paul Collier
• The White Man’s Burden by William Easterly
• Poor Economics by Banerjee & Duflo

4. Development Economics

 This is where we study poverty, inequality, rural economies, and the economics of education, health, and labor. You’ll learn how growth is measured, and more importantly, how to critique mainstream economic solutions.

Key Books:

• Development Economics by Debraj Ray
• The Great Escape by Angus Deaton
• One Economics, Many Recipes by Dani Rodrik

  5. Research Methods for Development Studies

 Theory without method is empty. You must be fluent in both qualitative and quantitative research. Mixed methods, fieldwork, and impact evaluations will help you conduct research that informs real-world change.

Key Books:

• Using Mixed Methods in Monitoring and Evaluation (Bamberger et al.)
• Qualitative Research Design by Joseph Maxwell
• Research Methodology by Ranjit Kumar

6. Ethics & Sustainability in Development  

 Lastly, development is not just technical—it’s deeply ethical. Who decides what “development” means? What about the environment, future generations, and justice? These questions must shape your work.

Key Books:

• The Age of Sustainable Development by Jeffrey Sachs
• Global Poverty by David Hulme
• The Life You Can Save by Peter Singer

 Final Words: This Is Your Toolkit

  Dear students, these books and domains are not just academic checkboxes. They are your tools for leadership, advocacy, and change-making. You don’t need to master everything in one semester. But you must commit to becoming a lifelong learner in this field.

Your passion brought you here. Now, let knowledge empower your mission. [The End]