As many countries make economic strides, equality and sustainability remain important challenges.

What Is Development?

Many countries have made economic strides, thanks to technology and trade, but others still face challenges.

Video video 5:14

Understanding the Last Fifty Years of Global Development

Is the world better off than it was fifty years ago, and what drives these changes?

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Two Koreas, Two Development Policies

How did two countries with the same language, culture, and history turn out so differently?

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The Marshall Plan

Aid can rebuild countries, potentially in the donor’s image.

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Technology and Development

As Great Britain’s Industrial Revolution and India’s green revolution have shown, technological innovation can drive extraordinary development.

Video video 4:08

Why Is The Free Flow of Oil Important?

Learn how oil pricing works and why it is significant in the global economy.

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A Brief History of U.S. Foreign Aid

Where and why the United States gives foreign aid has changed over time.

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The Sustainable Development Goals

In this free SDG resource, learn about the formation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and review the opportunities and challenges for meeting them.

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The Race to Develop COVID-19 Vaccines

Explore how scientists produced the COVID-19 vaccines in record time.

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Global Population Growth Is Slowing Down

After centuries of growth, experts predict global population will shrink toward the end of the twenty-first century. What does that mean for countries’ economies and geopolitical power?

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What Is Economic Inequality?

Severe disparities in wealth and income can harm individuals, countries, and the global economy.

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Why Do Taxes Matter?

A government’s ability to collect revenue can shape a country’s development trajectory.

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Development Module Assessment

Questions to check your understanding.

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