In Development

In Development is a magazine dedicated to exploring how progress happens — or doesn’t happen — in the developing world.

We publish long-form essays about the ideas, policies, technologies, and institutions that shape low- and middle-income countries. Our pieces are empirically grounded, intellectually serious and also fun to read. We celebrate success in development, but also believe in grappling with failure. Understanding what doesn’t work is as important as understanding what does.

Development comes in many forms, across many contexts. Our pieces will cover everything from industrial policy to bednets, colonial history to futurism. We strive to cover issues that span the entire globe, but also get into the weeds where it is warranted. Above all, we aim to tell stories that make the stakes of development decisions vivid and concrete.

We believe in debate – different pieces may disagree with each other. We view ourselves as a forum for ideas, not the arbiter of the One True Way to do development. Indeed, we think this is an important part of a healthy intellectual community – to have a place where we can engage in productive, substantive disagreements. (Disagree with something we’ve published? Email us at [email protected].)

Every piece is free to read; issue 2 launches July 2026. You can subscribe here.

Contributing

Information on pitching In Development is available here.