Global Development

CSIS’s Global Development Department is dedicated to strengthening U.S. national security and global stability through policies that advance human wellbeing and economic opportunity.

Our scholars conduct timely analysis and work directly with policymakers, industry leaders, and civil society to generate innovative solutions to today’s unprecedented international development challenges.

Global Health Human Rights Food Security Water Security Technology International Development Conflict and Humanitarian Crises Climate Change Civil Society

Featured Analysis
All Department Analysis

A row of fruits, vegetables, and grains resembling seed packets

Shannon Yeung & Sarah B. Grace for CSIS
Digital Report

The Nature of Strength

Creating a More Secure Future with Agricultural Biodiversity

Digital Report by Zane Swanson and Caitlin Welsh — June 11, 2025

Department Experts

Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food and Water Security Program
Noam Unger

Noam Unger

Director, Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative and Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
Katherine E. Bliss

Katherine E. Bliss

Senior Fellow and Director, Immunizations and Health Systems Resilience, Global Health Policy Center
Hadeil Ali

Hadeil Ali

Chief of Staff, Global Development Department and Director, Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program
Romina Bandura

Romina Bandura

Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development, Project on U.S. Leadership in Development
Jon B. Alterman

Zane Swanson

Deputy Director, Global Food and Water Security Program
David Michel

David Michel

Senior Fellow, Global Food and Water Security Program
All Staff and Experts

Department Programs, Projects, and Initiatives