ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the role of formal political institutions in development theory and practice. It outlines debates around the links between economic development and democracy, and the rise of good governance as a key element of international development discourse since the 1990s. Security and development have become increasingly entwined in understandings of development and development policy. The securitization agenda is discussed in this chapter with particular reference to fragile states and forms of international aid. The international aid system is part of global governance institutions which reflect prevailing development ideas among powerful nations. The chapter outlines the changing nature of global governance and particularly the role of China. While the chapter focuses on formal institutions of state and government, it does include a discussion of civil society and social movements.
