Simon Maxwell is senior research associate of the Overseas Development Institute, Britain's leading independent think-tank on international development and humanitarian policy.

Recent articles

The problems of global economy, climate and security are sharpening. Europe has a critical opportunity to emerge as a progressive force in tackling them, say four leading figures in the continent‘s development-policy arena: Simon Maxwell, Paul Engel, Dirk Messner & Pierre Schori.

The route to international action on climate change can’t escape from politics. But can this be understood as tough consensus-building rather than conflict-resolution, asks Simon Maxwell.

The new United States president inherits major challenges of climate change, poverty, global governance and aid policy reform. The responsibility to help meet them is on development professionals too, says Simon Maxwell.

The global summit in Doha on paying for aid and development takes place amid a worldwide economic recession. All the more reason for visionary thinking and bold action, say Alison Evans & Simon Maxwell.