The Broker magazine has been publishing cutting-edge insights on international development since 2007. Over the years we have been at the forefront of debates, putting new developments into perspective and going beyond mainstream discussions. We provide a platform for alternative viewpoints and progressive ideas to spark debate and contribute to new ways of approaching inclusive and sustainable development.
Archive
Our dossiers, which contain our complete archive of articles, including our popular online debates, can be found below.
Please note that these archives date back from the start of The Broker, up to 2015. Please find the latest publications on themes related to our field of work via our Magazine page.
Network of experts
The magazine features contributions from our network of experts. Contact us if you are interested in contributing.
Future Brief series: Decolonisation of development cooperation
In May 2022, and following the impactful dialogue series on the ‘decolonisation of aid’, Partos and The Broker joined forces once again, this time to
Getting iodized salt on the plate
This report describes the dynamics, barriers, and opportunities in relation to strengthening the flow of iodized salt in West and Central Africa.
Aid & Trade in Rutte IV: room to embed lessons for mutual benefit
Aid and trade remain the policy focus of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In February this year the IOB (the Ministry’s evaluation service) published
The Broker’s Dialogue Guide to working with faith-based actors for sustainable development
The final knowledge product for the project ‘Working with faith-based actors for sustainable development’, is a Dialogue Guide that seeks to provide a starting point for development practitioners and policymakers – both religious and secular – to engage in an open dialogue on the role of religion in development cooperation.
Examining the Literature on SDG Interactions
We are exactly halfway between the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in 2015, and the target year set for achieving them, in 2030.
Director Saskia Hollander is saying farewell to The Broker after nearly 10 years
Director Saskia Hollander is saying farewell to The Broker after nearly 10 years
New project: youth agripreneurship in Africa
Youth agripreneurship in Africa will be at the core of a new collaborative project, initiated by the Netherlands Food Partnership, INCLUDE, and The Broker.
Doing what we’re good at, but to what end?
On June 24th, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, published her new policy paper, titled ‘Doing what the Netherlands is
Climate Justice requires a dramatic increase in climate finance for the Global South
The negative effects of climate change are increasingly being felt across the globe. Countries of the Global South, which have contributed very little to the greenhouse gas emissions that are causing climate change, are most exposed to the consequences and yet have the least financial resources available to deal with them. Rich countries therefore have a major responsibility to support the rest of the world through climate finance.
Towards a new policy for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation
The Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Liesje Schreinemacher, is developing a new policy document. While the general direction is determined by the coalition
Trilogy series: Decolonisation of development cooperation
This Future Brief, the first in a trilogy co-developed by Partos and The Broker investigates the legacies that development cooperation inherited from the colonial project.
Tough Sanctions against Taliban Undermine Right to Food
Afghanistan is experiencing an unprecedented hunger crisis, exacerbated by the sanctions against the Taliban regime and the withdrawal of most foreign aid. Yet western countries, including the Netherlands, will not commit to additional financial support if it cannot be ruled out that the Taliban would benefit from it in any way.
Who profits from inclusive business models?
Inclusive business models are increasingly called upon as a solution to the multiplex challenges of poverty and inequality while at the same time providing companies opportunities for profitability. However, a review of the literature shows that the development impact of inclusive business models is often uncertain and that it is important both for inclusive business partners and donors to track this impact carefully to ensure the benefit of inclusive business for low-income communities.
In conversation: Working with faith-based actors for development
Last year Prisma and four of its members – Dorcas, Tearfund, Woord en Daad and World Vision – initiated a new research project into the role and added value of faith-based actors in sustainable development. As an independent knowledge brokering organisation, The Broker was commissioned to carry out the research in a quest to bring to light the most important opportunities and barriers for collaborations between secular and faith-based actors. On the 10th of March we hosted an online workshop, marking the end of the first phase of this project. This article presents the most important take-aways and questions of the workshop, focusing particularly on the fruitful dialogues in the breakout sessions.
Decent youth employment: are internships the way forward?
This article examines the internship systems in the U.S. and the Netherlands, reflecting on what can the experiences of global North interns teach us about how to roll out successful internship programmes in the global South.
Beyond the Dutch Polder Model: A new model for collaboration
Is the Dutch Polder Model still fit for purpose? In this article Somaye Dehban, researcher and nexus strategist, sheds her light on the Polder Model, revisiting its history and discussing why and how it can be replaced.
Dutch Development Cooperation: 2022 and beyond
Following elections in March 2021, the Netherlands is still awaiting the formation of a new government. This article takes a closer look at recent trends in Dutch development cooperation policy and the choices that lie ahead to strengthen its relevance and effectiveness.
The Future Briefs Series: a new initiative by Partos and The Broker
What are the most pressing development issues and how can development organisations create dynamic and adaptive pathways that withstand future uncertainties? These questions lie at
Together on a complex journey: With donors towards decolonisation
The fifth session in a series on the decolonisation of aid: So much has been discussed up to this point; so many valuable insights, arguments
Taking the right path: An ethical perspective on the decolonisation of aid
Over the past years, the ideal of a true decolonisation of aid has been given increasing attention throughout and beyond the humanitarian and development sectors.
Embrace the Earth: Soil health as a foundation to sustainable food systems
Rabobank, the Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) organised an online event on soil health as a foundation to sustainable food systems. This article presents the key messages from the session.
A blind-spot mirror for evaluators
Prof. Dirk-Jan Koch has been working with a team on a multi-year research programme, which looks into the possible side effects of international development work. After 4 years of research, they have published a checklist that presents the 10 most common side effects of international development interventions.
The fault is not in our stars: Gender-bias in the European Troika’s policy design and implementation
What can a gender analysis teach us about the nature of Troika’s economic adjustment programs (EAPs) in Greece? Most importantly, the Troika has been found
Bellagio Initiative: living well in the 21st century
The Future of Philanthropy and Development in the Pursuit of Human Wellbeing
Emerged Powers
Archived dossier Here you find an overview of publications on developments in countries like Brazil, China, India, Turkey and South Africa. The core of the
Social Entrepreneurship
The potential to increase the socioeconomic impact of social enterprises.
Social Protection
An estimated three quarters of the world’s population has no access to basic social protection.
Inequality
Inequality is at the heart of the debate of how to create a more sustainable world.
Power dynamics and natural resources
Resource disputes are grounded in structural inequalities and reveal conflicting interests.
Squares of Resistance
A new generation is asserting itself and demanding accountability of its leaders.
Consultation for a food secure world
How effectively global knowledge and expertise on food security are being used.
Future Calling
Archive page This dossier and the debate closed in 2012 – The Broker welcomes expert opinions on the topic, but is no longer actively following
Naar een nieuw kennisbeleid
Archive page This dossier and the debate (In Dutch) closed in 2012 – The Broker welcomes expert opinions on the topic, but is no longer
Connecting Africa’s Conflicts
Understanding the way cross-borders conflicts influence each other.
Sahel Watch
The Broker has expanded the Sahel Watch dossier into the Sahel Watch programme; in line with the previously renewed focus on three main programmes; 1)
Prioritising Water after 2015
Archive page Water for All is one of the targets in the UN’s Post-2015 development agenda. The key areas to prioritize will soon be determined
Re-visioning Europe
Alternative approaches could rebuild the Eurozone and give the European plan a new face.