May Newsletter now out
We’re pleased to share the latest edition of our newsletter, featuring new publications, project updates, and exciting developments from across The Policy Practice.
Highlights include:
- New Working Paper: Understanding Yemen’s Economy by TPP Associate Richard Barltrop. This analysis explores the complex economic and political dynamics shaping Yemen’s public service delivery and economic resilience.
- USAID Resources Now Available: Our online library now includes key USAID publications related to “Thinking and Working Politically” – offering practical insights into governance, power, and policy implementation in fragile contexts.
- Consultation Paper on Climate Change and Institutions: Authored by Verena Fritz and Rachel Ort, this paper examines how institutional development interacts with climate resilience in low- and middle-income countries.
- New Associates Join TPP: We’re delighted to welcome three new Associates – Catherine Dom, Cheickna Yaranangore, and Wilfred (Wilf) Mwamba – who bring deep expertise in conflict sensitivity, applied political economy analysis, and development strategy.
- Upcoming Online Course: Applications are open for our next online Political Economy Analysis course, starting in September 2025. The course offers a practical and applied learning experience for development professionals seeking to strengthen their analytical and strategic skills.
Governance in a new development paradigm: Reformer leadership and partnership humility
This Working Paper, written by TPP Principal Wilfred Mwamba, calls for a major shift in how international actors support governance. It shows reforms only endure when domestic reformers lead, urging partners to drop “performance theatre” and back genuine, locally led, politically grounded change.
Reducing violence against defenders of the Amazon: a political economy approach
This Working Paper by TPP Principal Niki Palmer explores why environmental defenders in Brazil’s Amazon face persistent violence. It shows how powerful economic interests and competing ideas about the Amazon fuel conflict and impunity. It outlines three realistic pathways to strengthen protections, shift incentives toward conservation and reduce violence.
New guidance on context analysis
In collaboration with the Thinking and Working Politically Community of Practice, and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, TPP Director Laure-Hélène Piron has prepared a guidance note setting out options for context analysis (political economy analysis, conflict analysis, institutional reviews, etc). It provides advice to make sure the analysis is politically informed and influential with decision makers.