There are many ideas about how the world should change to improve the lot of large portions of the population and many individuals, groups and organisations who are trying to put those ideas into practice. Development: The Basics is an absorbing introduction to those policies, practices and players in human development and addresses key questions including: Is development simply about alleviating poverty? Do development ideas work best at the global or local level? How can we achieve the goal of sustainable development? Do the outcomes always match the intentions? Featuring examples drawn from around the world, a glossary, timelines and suggestions for further reading this book is the ideal starting point for those new to the study of development.