James Michel

Senior Adviser (Non-resident), Project on Prosperity and Development
Michel

James Michel is a senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies and an independent consultant in development cooperation, specializing in support for good governance and the rule of law. During a long career of public service, he was the U.S. ambassador to Guatemala and chair of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). He also held a number of senior positions with the Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In the Department of State, he served as principal deputy legal adviser and as principal deputy assistant secretary for inter-American affairs. In USAID, he was assistant administrator for Latin America and the Caribbean and also acting deputy administrator, acting administrator, and counselor to the agency. In the private sector, he was senior counsel to Tetra Tech DPK, an international consulting firm. He received his law degree (juris doctor, cum laude) from Saint Louis University.

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Book Event: The Enduring Struggle: A Conversation with John Norris

Join us for a conversation with author John Norris as he talks about his book The Enduring Struggle, USAID's achievements that have saved billions of lives, setbacks that have threatened the agency’s very existence, and the importance of USAID today.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Kristen Cordell , James Michel , John Norris , and Susan Reichle — September 9, 2021

Photo: Oli Scarff/Getty Images

The Rule of Law and Sustainable Development

Rule of law is widely recognized as essential to governance and sustainable development but is complex to define. This new report examines how trends in development policy has shaped global support for the rule of law and explores how to enhance its impact on development.

Report by James Michel — July 1, 2020

Photo: YASUYOSHI CHIBA/AFP via Getty Images

Managing Fragility for Peace, Security, and Sustainable Development

Countries experiencing significant fragility, while amounting to about 20 percent of the world’s population, are projected to be home to 80 percent of the world’s extremely poor by 2035. Societies affected by poor governance, limited institutional capability, low social cohesion, and weak legitimacy tend to exhibit erosion of the social contract, diminished societal resilience, and low levels of economic and human development. 

Event by Romina Bandura , James Michel , Joseph Hewitt , and Laurel Patterson — February 13, 2018

Demand Driven Development

This shift towards demand driven development and increased country ownership requires rethinking the way aid is delivered, and the relationship between donor and recipient countries.

Event by Romina Bandura , Daniel F. Runde , James Michel , Tessie San Martin , Lester Munson , Aloysius Ordu , and Gebreselassie Tesfamichael — December 8, 2017

Emerging Donors in Development

Please join us for an expert panel discussion focused around new donor partner cooperation that leverages middle income country resources and expertise for development outcomes. The discussion will cover how traditional donors should be engaging new donors, and the challenges and opportunities associated with south-south cooperation. We will also discuss what role the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and OECD should play in facilitating these donor partnerships.

Event by Conor M. Savoy , James Michel , Yosuke Kobayashi , Ambassador Jim Michel , and Thelma Askey — May 16, 2017

Emerging Donors in Development

Beyond Aid

On September 25, 2015, world leaders adopted a new post-2015 development agenda, centered on 17 Sustainable Development Goals intended to transform the world.

Report by James Michel — January 19, 2016