Durable inequalities both within and between nations, present the most significant obstacle to promoting democratic, inclusive, and sustainable development. The Institute's research in development includes the study of racial, ethnic, and class inequality, national and sub-national governance, urban transformation, democracy and civil society, and social provisioning. The relationship between development and globalization is also an area of focus and includes work on international aid and finance, transnational movements, comparative development and global governance.
Development
Development
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Research Briefs
News from Watson
Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back
Marc Dunkelman’s new book, "Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—and How to Bring It Back," explores the architecture of power and how to restore confidence in democratically elected government.
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Ieva Jusionyte has received the 2025 Juan E. Méndez Book Award from the Duke Human Rights Center for her recent book “Exit Wounds.”
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Susan Moffitt named the 2025 winner of the Herbert Simon award, which is given annually to a mid-career scholar who has made significant contributions to the scientific study of bureaucracy.
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News
In July, Brown University's new school of international and public affairs will welcome its first cohort of Ph.D. Fellows in an expanded program. Watson is now accepting pre-dissertation and dissertation fellowship applications from Ph.D. students who are working on development, governance and security-related topics in its five core departments.
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"Looming in the Shadows of Lodz," a new exhibition by photographer Leslie Starobin, opens at 280 Brook St. on February 13. Sponsored by Art at Watson, the show features Starobin's photographs from a "roots journey" to Poland. Coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, "Looming in the Shadows of Lodz" illustrates how traumatic memories are passed down through generations.
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The 48-hour project requires Master of Public Affairs (MPA) students to evaluate a policy problem and issue policy recommendations to a real or theoretical client on a complex policy problem within 48 hours.
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