The Companion to Development Studies is essential reading in the field of development studies. This indispensable resource offers succinct, up-to-date, and insightful chapters that reflect the diverse voices and perspectives informing the field and the dynamic interplay of theory, policy, and practice that characterises it.

This fourth edition brings together contributions from an impressive range of renowned international experts and emerging voices at the forefront of development studies to deliver engaging, interdisciplinary, and provocative insights into this challenging field. The 98 chapters spanning both theory and practice offer readers accessible discussions of the core issues, emerging trends, and key debates of the discipline. Divided into nine sections of: theories and their contentions; histories and discourses of development; actors and institutions; identities and practices; people and the planet; the economics of development; conflict, violence, and peace; the changing landscape of development; and approaches to policy and practice; this timely new text provides easy to use summaries of all the major issues encountered in this rapidly growing and changing field.

The Companion serves students and scholars across various disciplines, including development studies, geography, politics, international relations, sociology, anthropology, and economics. It offers incisive analysis and critical insights, equipping those working in development policy and practice with the knowledge and understanding they need to navigate and address contemporary global challenges.

This textbook is supported by flexible, online resources for teaching and learning such as tutorial guides, key concept videos, and a filmography.

Emil Dauncey is Lecturer in Geography and Environmental Studies at The Open University, UK.

Vandana Desai is Professor of Human Geography at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

Robert B. Potter (1950–2014) was a leading researcher in urban and development geographies – with particular reference to Caribbean development studies – and an academician of the Academy of Social Sciences. He was Professor Emeritus at Reading University, Head of School (2008–2012), and the recipient of the higher doctorate degree of DSc from the University of Reading for his outstanding contributions to the field.