This comprehensive and broad-ranging introductory text examines the key aspects of contemporary international development from both a practical and theoretical perspective. It addresses the fundamental question of what 'development' actually is and examines social, economic and environmental development across the globe.

Written by experts with extensive field experience across a range of development settings, the book addresses key issues in the development debate. These issues include definitions of development, global influences on development, measurements of development, the contribution of international aid, the relationship between global development and gender equality, the idea of development as 'modernization', theories of underdevelopment, and regional variation.

The third edition has been revised and updated to include discussion of recent events and challenges in the field, as well as coverage of the rise of new economic powers, the impact of new security challenges, and the increasing importance of sustainable development goals.

Damien Kingsbury is a Professor of International Politics and holds a Personal Chair in the Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin University, Australia.

John McKay is a Partner with Analysis International in Melbourne and an Honorary Professor of the School of Humanities and Social Science at Deakin University, Australia.

Janet Hunt is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University, Australia.

Mark McGillivray is Research Professor of International Development at the Alfred Deakin Research Institute, Deakin University, Australia.

Matthew Clarke is Head of School, School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Deakin University, Australia.