What does it mean to be poor, or an immigrant? What form should Aid take? This album begins to explore the complex issues of international development in a globalised world, starting with a look at schemes which attempt to alleviate poverty. Small business owners are empowered by micro-financing in Glasgow, while in Argentina a disastrous economic collapse has led to people taking matters into their own hands by creating an alternative social exchange currency. Migrant communities, such as Greek Cypriots and Ethiopians in London, and Sierra Leonians in Liverpool, have a chance to reveal the issues they’ve faced; while we also hear from experts who are working to expand the contribution that African migrants abroad can make to Africa’s development. Finally, a Chinese “beer pioneer” and China trade experts discuss issues surrounding China’s membership of the World Trade Organisation.In the bonus material Dr Helen Yanacopulos, Senior Lecturer in International Politics and Development at The Open University, provides insight into the educational value of the audio-visual material and explains the course structure.

This material is taken from The Open University Course U213 International Development: Challenges for a World in Transition.