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The Big Picture

The Big Picture

Stepping back to see the whole, its interconnections and interdependences. These posts explore the large-scale global to local forces shaping our era, including geopolitics, economic systems, technological disruption, the triple planetary crises, value and power shifts, and ask what they demand of transformation-focused evaluation — evaluation OF, FOR, AS and IN transformation — and of us as we navigate the present and the future.
19
Mar
Nine Reasons for Hope and Optimism. And why we need to seize this moment.

Nine Reasons for Hope and Optimism. And why we need to seize this moment.

Despite the polycrisis, this is also a time to celebrate. Nine reasons for genuine hope – from shifting power dynamics to regenerative movements – and why evaluation professionals and change-makers should seize this exceptional moment.
11 min read
19
Mar
Seven Reasons for Outrage. And why anger is not the answer.

Seven Reasons for Outrage. And why anger is not the answer.

From broken multilateralism to rising authoritarianism, there are powerful reasons for outrage in our hyperconnected world. But anger alone will not serve us. This post names seven structural failures demanding our attention — and argues for channelling outrage into purposeful action.
8 min read
01
Sep
The Power(lessness) of Evaluation: The case of Afghanistan

The Power(lessness) of Evaluation: The case of Afghanistan

Thanks to more than 60 evaluation reports over 13 years by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR), we
8 min read
11
Apr
Mission-oriented Evaluation

Mission-oriented Evaluation

We need Mission Thinking, Moonshot Thinking, and Mission-Oriented Evaluation if we are to ensure evaluation is fit for purpose for
6 min read
14
Jul
Lost in the loss of travelling the world

Lost in the loss of travelling the world

My life is a tapestry of memories. Woven together to make up the fabric of my life. Like African fabrics,
7 min read
24
Apr
COVID-19, Part 6. Extraordinary benefits

COVID-19, Part 6. Extraordinary benefits

A dispassionate observer of Planet Earth from far away could well be pleased with this global crisis faced by all
5 min read
06
Apr
COVID-19, Part 1. Earth has gone quiet

COVID-19, Part 1. Earth has gone quiet

We are at a transformative moment in the history of humankind and of our planet. During this extraordinary time and
5 min read
22
Apr
China's Transformation, Part 4. Dominant narratives, alternative perspectives

China's Transformation, Part 4. Dominant narratives, alternative perspectives

We need fresh narratives about how the world works, and why, and what to do to solve its complex problems.
6 min read
18
Apr
China's Transformation, Part 3. Seeing through others' eyes

China's Transformation, Part 3. Seeing through others' eyes

Some years ago I was on an evaluation assignment in the Mekong region, dealing with labour issues. In an interview
3 min read
16
Apr
China's Transformation, Part 2. Towards an ecological civilisation

China's Transformation, Part 2. Towards an ecological civilisation

As evaluators we cannot afford to get caught up in narratives - usually devoid of nuance - that aim to
7 min read