Development and politics
Development studies - as a broad area of study where much of the research is focused on the global south - have long held a prominent position among Human Geographers at ISS

Photo: Chrissy Olson (Some rights reserved)
Geographic development studies comprise research on economic and social development, including studies of international value chains and production networks, technological change, social inequality and poverty, and changes in employment and work organization. The study area also includes research on governance, political participation and representation, civil society, and transitions to democracy and peace.
The environment and development, especially as related to climate change and strategies for sustainable development, are also central within Human Geographic development research at ISS.
Research themes and researchers
- International value chains and production networks: : Heidi Østbø Haugen, Hege Merete Knutsen, Milda Jonusaite Nordbø
- Economic and political transformations: Hege Merete Knutsen, Kristian Stokke
- Poverty and inequality: Jan Hesselberg
- Statebuilding and governance: Jemima Garcia-Godos, David Jordhus-Lier, Jørgen Eiken Magdahl, Kristian Stokke
- Transition to peace and democracy: : Jemima Garcia-Godos, Kristian Stokke
- Civil society and state-society relations: Jemima Garcia-Godos, Kristian Stokke, David Jordhus-Lier, Jørgen Eiken Magdahl
- Churches as civil society actors: Heidi Østbø Haugen, David Jordhus-Lier
- Governance and resource extraction: Jemima Garcia-Godos, Hege Sørreime
- International migration: Heidi Østbø Haugen
- Technological changes and poverty reduction: Kirsten Ulsrud