Project on U.S. Leadership in Development

Exploring new thinking on development with a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, and market-driven economic growth

The Project on U.S. Leadership in Development is focused on leveraging all American assets—the private sector in particular—to promote economic development, improve livelihoods, and reduce poverty worldwide. The world faces incredible challenges at a time when donor country political environments are marked by protectionism and populism. Strong global engagement, promotion of the transformative potential of the private sector, and a leadership role in the liberal international order all provide significant opportunities for U.S. businesses, foreign policy priorities, and ultimately the American people. The urge to retrench and retreat in the face of crisis is strong; but this is precisely when the U.S. should double down as a global leader in development.

The project seeks to renew the discourse in Washington and to provide policymakers with fresh, actionable recommendations to maintain America’s leadership role in development.

Areas of Focus

This project aims to set a bipartisan policy agenda that will lead to a set of actionable recommendations.

CSIS has strong ongoing initiatives in global health, human rights, trade, food security, and economic development. The project is focused on generating new ideas and innovative approaches in a range of areas, including:

All Project on U.S. Leadership in Development Content

Filter by

11 - 20 of 219 results

Sustainable Infrastructure in the Amazon: Peru Country Case Study

Deforestation of the Peruvian Amazon results from vulnerabilities in rule of law, security, and governance that transcend a solely environmental lens. Addressing these factors requires embedding infrastructure development within a broader sustainable development plan.

Report by Romina Bandura and Owen Murphy — October 26, 2020

Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

Please join us for a conversation on Sustainable Development Goal #9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, which seeks to increase connectivity and productivity of developing countries’ industries and build resilient infrastructure systems to bolster economic growth.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Peter Raymond , Enoh Ebong , Jonathan Said , and Karin Krchnak — February 26, 2020

Applying Lessons from Global Entrepreneurship

Please join us for a public event that will explore how the U.S. can lead the world in meeting the global demand for entrepreneurship and innovation.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Peter Righi , Agnes Dasewicz , Wesley Alexander , Shamarukh Mohiuddin , and William Sonneborn — January 14, 2020

Sustainable Development Goal #1: No Poverty

Please join us on Tuesday, December 3rd for a public event focused on Sustainable Development Goal #1, which aims to decrease poverty & ensure social protections for the poor & vulnerable, increase access to basic needs and services, and support people harmed by natural disasters.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Gloria D. Steele , Richard Bissell , Daniel Speckhard , and Sarah Thorn — December 3, 2019

Sustainable Development Goal 4: Quality Education

Please join us on October 30th for a discussion on Sustainable Development Goal #4: Quality Education.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Patrick Fine , Amber Gove , Pia Saunders Campbell , and Julie Cram — October 30, 2019

SDG #11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

Please join us on September 20th for a public event focused on Sustainable Development Goal #11 which aims to increase the inclusivity, sustainability, and accessibility of urban and rural areas.

Event by Daniel F. Runde , Dan Hymowitz , Sara Lawrence , Janet Auer , and Rep. Tim Penny — September 20, 2019

Investment Facilitation Revisited

The authors stress the need for investment facilitation led by highly skilled intermediaries with deep local knowledge, further integration of local advisory players into the investment process, and the development of intelligent metrics to evaluate progress.

Report by Daniel F. Runde , Jake Cusack , and Matthew Tilleard — September 18, 2019

Sustainable Development Goal #5: Gender Equality

Please join us on July 24th for a public event focused on Sustainable Development Goal #5 which aims to achieve global gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Event by Beverly Kirk , Johanna Nesseth Tuttle , Zoë Dean-Smith ,  Amb. Mathilde Mukantabana , and Astri Kimball Van Dyke — July 24, 2019