Why is the West obsessed with changing China? — Xu Qinduo

In the first episode of In Pursuit of Development Season 6, host Dan Banik returns after an unexpected year-and-a-half hiatus following a serious health emergency. Dan examines how the world has entered a period of profound flux. The once-stable liberal international order is giving way to a more fragmented and contested multipolar reality. He explores how trade wars, weakening multilateral institutions, debt crises, environmental stress, and disruptive technologies are reshaping global politics and development. However, amidst this turbulence, he identifies a powerful countercurrent — the growing visibility and influence of the Global South. Dan unpacks how countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America are asserting new forms of leadership and cooperation — through the G20, BRICS, and South–South partnerships — and how this shift is transforming debates on trade, climate justice, technology, and governance. The episode also reflects on the challenges within the Global South itself, including internal inequalities, differing national interests, and the risk of reproducing old hierarchies in new ways.Despite the uncertainty of this “interregnum” moment, Dan closes with a message of cautious optimism — a politics of hope grounded in evidence. He highlights global progress in health, education, poverty reduction, and renewable energy, emphasizing that crises often generate creativity and collaboration. The episode sets the stage for a new season of conversations with scholars, activists, and policymakers who will explore how the Global South’s choices — and the world’s response — will shape the future of global development. Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Season finale!  It is my great pleasure to welcome back a person I have very much enjoyed speaking with earlier— Dan Honig, an Associate Professor of Public Policy at University College London and Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy (@rambletastic). His latest book is Mission Driven Bureaucrats: Empowering People To Help Government Do Better. Mission-driven bureaucrats, according to Dan, are individuals who work within the bureaucracy with a genuine desire to serve their organization's mission of helping citizens. They perform their jobs out of a strong belief in their purpose, rather than being driven by a set of rules or incentives that compel them to act in specific ways. But what are the historical roots of the term "mission," and how can mission-driven bureaucrats thrive? The book argues that the key to better government lies in empowerment and trust, rather than stricter controls and more rigorous oversight.  Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Mission driven bureaucrats – 04:04Managers like Ted Lasso – 18:21Managing for empowerment versus managing for compliance – 25:12Demotivated and unmotivated bureaucrats – 37:46Characteristics of efficient bureaucracies around the world – 35:06New public management and the centrality of citizens – 43:52 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The liberal international order, characterized by rules-based multilateralism and values such as openness and representation, is often portrayed in terms of multiple crises. These crises, often analyzed from a Western perspective, include the reduced support of some Western powers towards certain multilateral institutions and the establishment of new ones by rising powers. However, these narratives often overlook the perspectives of low and middle-income countries, which is why in this episode, we shift our focus to understand how the Global South perceives and engages with this international order.Rohan Mukherjee is an assistant professor at the Department of International Relations, at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). His latest book is  Ascending Order: Rising Powers and the Politics of Status in International Institutions. @rohan_mukhKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Global governance viewed from the Global South – 02:54Crisis of authority and new bargains – 09:57Rising powers and the politics of status – 16:05The quest for status and symbolic equality within the international system – 24:14Institutional openness and procedural fairness – 35:06Admitting rising powers into the great power club – 46:37 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The ever-evolving world of global power dynamics is characterized by the complex relationships between large economies such as the United States and China and how these interactions are perceived and navigated by countries in the Global South. Understanding these dynamics requires a comprehensive view of how some countries, such as China, position themselves as a challenger to the existing world order and US hegemony through their economic, structural, and normative power. While many countries in the Global South are finding it challenging to navigate the complex terrain of great power competition, some are leveraging their unique positions to maximize benefits and assert their sovereignty. They engage strategically with multiple great powers, negotiating deals and leveraging relationships to their advantage, balancing economic needs, security concerns, and political aspirations. Ilaria Carrozza is a senior researcher at the The Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). Her research focuses on understanding how China extends its influence abroad and challenges the existing world order. @ilaria_carrozzaResourcesShaping the Digital Architecture: Contested Norms on Digital Technology in Southeast AsiaChina’s Digital Silk Road and Malaysia’s Technological Neutrality Dual-Use AI Technology in China, the US and the EU: Strategic Implications for the Balance of Power Winds of Change? The Impact of Non-Western Powers’ Engagement in Afghanistan and the Sahel How Does the China-Russia Partnership Impact Security Dynamics in East Asia? Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Great power competition viewed from the Global South – 03:30The Russia-China alliance and resurgence of the BRICS – 11:40Global development and global security concerns – 18:50Chinese versus Western alternatives – 37:42  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

A central theme in Ian Shapiro's extensive body of research is the concept of domination, which captures the reactive nature of human beings towards power structures. Unlike traditional political theories that imagine societies designing just orders from scratch, Ian argues that political institutions evolve in response to the rejection of unacceptable power dynamics. This reactive nature is evident in the historical shifts from feudalism to absolutism, and eventually to democracy, driven by people's resistance to absolute power.Ian Shapiro is Sterling Professor of Political Science and Global Affairs at Yale University. In his latest book Uncommon Sense, he explores why citizens in many democracies are profoundly alienated and some democracies are in danger of failing. Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The fight against domination – 02:50The role of political parties in resisting domination – 05:41Disillusionment with democracies and the role of deliberation – 11:24Amartya Sen and development as freedom – 23:16Betting on hope – 34:29 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Effective bureaucracies are pivotal in mobilizing resources, implementing development projects, and ensuring equitable distribution of growth benefits across all societal segments. Conversely, weak administrative systems often result in inefficiency, corruption, and the derailment of vital development efforts aimed at improving health, education, and economic opportunities. The significance of administrative capacity extends beyond immediate program implementation. Strong administrative systems ensure that the achievements of development policies are maintained over time, adapting to new challenges like technological changes, demographic shifts, and environmental sustainability. This adaptability is essential for long-term development outcomes, making the strengthening of bureaucratic institutions a fundamental aspect of enhancing overall state capacity.Sameen A. Mohsin Ali is an Assistant Professor of International Development at the University of Birmingham. She works in the fields of comparative politics, development studies, and political economy, with a specialisation in the bureaucratic politics of Pakistan. @sameen_mohsinResourcesCitizen trust, administrative capacity and administrative burden in Pakistan’s immunization program (open access)Networks of effectiveness? The impact of politicization on bureaucratic performance in Pakistan (author's accepted manuscript)Pakistan election: the military has long meddled in the country’s politics – this year will be no different, The Conversation UKOral History, Collaboration and Research on Women Public Sector Workers in Pakistan, with Sana Haroon, MHRC blogBureaucratic Reform, Discourse, Pakistan Institute of Development EconomicsThe good, the bad and the ugly in Punjab’s new local government laws. Herald, 5 July, 2019.Good sifarish, bad sifarish: A look at PML-N’s selective anti-corruption drive. DAWN 19 April, 2018.Pakistan: COVID-19, federalism and the first wave response. (open access)Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24State capacity and administrative capacity – 03:26The role of patronage politics – 09:03Civil servant strategies to tackle political interference – 16:49Socialization strategies, motivation, and demotivation – 25:09Networks of effectiveness – 32:14Trust between citizens and the state – 45:16  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

A common concern voiced by leaders in many developing nations is the deterioration of their road systems and the apparent hesitance of the international community to fund infrastructure improvements. In response, China launched the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013. This sweeping project has facilitated investments in sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, telecommunications, logistics, energy, and oil and gas. While some African citizens and policymakers view the BRI as an opportunity to expand their policy space for development, opinions are divided. The presence of Chinese investments in Africa's infrastructure has ignited a multifaceted debate about the benefits of such partnerships versus the risks, including debt dependency, sustainability issues, and project prioritization that might not meet the wider needs of the population.Karuti Kanyinga is a Research Professor of Development Studies at the Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi, who has worked extensively on governance and development. @karutikkKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Public perceptions of recent infrastructure projects in Nairobi – 03:18Project modalities and demands for greater transparency – 08:09Negotiating better deals with external actors – 14:36The cost of politics – 22:16Expectations of idealism in politics – 28:37Strategies for combating corruption – 37:42 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

The continued reliance on a "business as usual" model is insufficient for countering the detrimental consequences of global warming. Numerous studies, including the influential reports from the IPCC, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, have sparked a keen interest in understanding the prerequisites for the societal transformations necessary to address climate change effectively. However, a significant disconnect persists between the scientific consensus on global warming and the actions taken by political leaders at international, national, and local levels. In many of my interactions with policymakers from around the world, I often hear that despite being a global challenge, the discourse around global warming is disproportionately influenced by the perspectives and priorities of rich countries. Politicians in the global South in particular claim that this imbalance often results in global agreements that neglect the complexities of local justice and the intricate local politics involving competition for limited resources. Lan Marie Nguyen Berg is the Deputy Leader of the Green Party and a Member of the Norwegian Parliament. She previously served as Oslo City Commissioner for transport and the environment. @Lan_MarieKey highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The importance of voting as a step for political action– 04:24Balancing short-term voter appeasement with long-term climate goals– 08:48How Oslo became greener – 14:07Radical policies for long-term benefit and trade-offs – 19:28The welfare state and growing citizen expectations – 31:10Why the Global South reacts to preaching from the Global North – 37:58Online abuse and the future of young European leaders – 47:44 Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

Many nations around the world are grappling with the challenge of providing reliable and sustainable energy access to their populations. Half a billion people, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South Asia, still rely on biomass for their basic needs, underscoring the urgent necessity for innovative energy solutions.  The quest for electrification, especially in rural and underserved regions, is not just about lighting up homes but igniting opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic development. Yet, as we dig deeper, it becomes apparent that the link between electricity access and economic prosperity is nuanced and multifaceted.Jörg Ankel-Peters co-heads the research department “Climate Change and Development” at RWI – Leibniz Institute for Economic Research in Germany and is a Professor of Economics at the University of Passau. @jrgptrs ResourcesRural electrification, the credibility revolution, and the limits of evidence-based policyGrid or solar: Looking for the best energy solution for the rural poorDo improved cooking stoves inevitably go up in smoke? Evidence from India and SenegalThe forgotten coal: Charcoal demand in sub-Saharan Africa Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24The global energy poverty challenge – 03:44The electricity-economic growth relationship – 10:27Expanding the grid versus mini-grids and off-grid solutions– 17:10Health and education impacts of rural electrification– 24:27The charcoal conundrum – 29:07Impact of Rwanda’s Electricity Access Roll-out program (EARP) – 36:32  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com

In the fabric of today's interconnected globe, "Made in China" has emerged as a richly layered emblem, intertwined with economic, political, and cultural narratives. Every day, consumers worldwide engage with this tag, embedded in an array of products, prompting us to ponder: What deeper meanings unfold from the assertion that a product is "Made in China"? Pursuing this question guides us through a complex labyrinth of global manufacturing practices, the ebb and flow of international relations, and the evolving patterns of consumer culture that mark the contemporary landscape.Elisabeth Ingleson is an Assistant Professor at the Department of International History at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She specialises in the histories of US foreign relations, US-China relations, capitalism, and labor, and is the author of Made in China: When US-China Interests Converged to Transform Global Trade. @lizingleson Key highlightsIntroduction – 00:24Nationbranding and the “Made in China” label – 03:14Geopolitics and supply chain dynamics – 09:05China’s convergence with global capitalism – 16:23The significance of cultural change – 27:03Fashion diplomacy, technology imports and development – 33:40The impact on Chinese politics and society– 41:10  Host:Dan Banik LinkedInX: @danbanik @GlobalDevPod Subscribe:Apple Spotify YouTubehttps://in-pursuit-of-development.simplecast.com