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China/East Asia

Reflections on East and Southeast Asian, and in particular Chinese philosophies, governance models and development trajectories, and what they offer for rethinking evaluation, transformation and global futures beyond Western-centric frames.
09
Oct
We Have to Rethink Human Rights, Part 2

We Have to Rethink Human Rights, Part 2

Building on Part 1, this post explores what lies beyond a single universal model of human rights. Drawing on diverse cultural traditions and philosophical systems, it makes the case for pluralistic approaches that honour different ways of understanding dignity and justice.
6 min read
03
Oct
We Have to Rethink Human Rights, Part 1

We Have to Rethink Human Rights, Part 1

What if ‘universal human rights’ are not actually universal, but a cleverly packaged Western export that has sometimes done more harm than good? This post challenges conventional thinking and argues for embracing multiple frameworks to strengthen human dignity worldwide.
4 min read
07
Aug
Modernising on our own terms

Modernising on our own terms

This post reflects on what it truly means to modernise development, and flourish on our own terms in the Global South – honouring heritage while embracing innovation, without imitating Western models.
4 min read
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
30
Apr
Learning from China’s Transformation, Part 6. Co-evolution - a ‘first principle’.

Learning from China’s Transformation, Part 6. Co-evolution - a ‘first principle’.

Co-evolution – the mutual shaping of institutions, markets, society and governance over time – emerges as a first principle in understanding China’s transformation. This concluding post draws together the series’ lessons for evaluation and development practice
5 min read
26
Apr
Learning from China's Transformation, Part 5. Directed improvisation

Learning from China's Transformation, Part 5. Directed improvisation

China’s development story is an extraordinary example of complex adaptive systems thinking applied to political-economic transformation. ‘Directed improvisation’ – combining top-down strategic vision with bottom-up experimentation – holds vital lessons for us.
8 min read
22
Apr
Learning from China's Transformation, Part 4. Dominant narratives, alternative perspectives

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

Democracy, human rights, Africa engagement, the Belt and Road ‘debt trap’ – four dominant narratives about China examined alongside alternative perspectives. Why we must demonstrate nuance and pluralism.
6 min read
18
Apr
Learning from China's Transformation, Part 3. Seeing through others' eyes

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

Our assumptions about China are shaped by narratives we rarely question. This post challenges us to see through others’ eyes – understanding how worldviews, cultural patterning and historical memory shape radically different perspectives on the same reality.
3 min read
16
Apr
Learning from China's Transformation, Part 2. Towards an ecological civilisation

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

China’s ambitious vision for an ‘ecological civilisation’ offers a striking counterpoint to Western development models. This post examines how Confucian philosophy, environmental policy and systems thinking converge in China’s approach to sustainable development.
7 min read