Book launch – “The Great Surge: The Ascent of the Developing World”

We live today at a time of great progress for the global poor. Never before have so many people, in so many developing countries, made so much progress. But a major transformation is underway and has been for two decades now. Since the early 1990s, more than 1 billion people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, 6 million fewer children die every year from disease, tens of millions more girls are in school, millions more people have access to clean water, and democracy—though often fragile and imperfect—has become the norm in developing countries around the world.

In his new book, “The Great Surge,” Steven Radelet tells the story of this unprecedented economic, social, and political transformation. He reveals how we can fight the changing tides of climate change, resource demand, economic and political mismanagement, and demographic pressures to accelerate the political, economic, and social development that has been helping the poorest of the poor around the world.

On November 20, Brookings will host a discussion on “The Great Surge.” Steven Radelet will present the book’s key findings before joining a panel discussion moderated by Brookings Senior Fellow Homi Kharas. Afterward, questions will be taken from the audience.