With the decline of the “Washington consensus” on development, the issue of the appropriate alternatives for the developing world is again at the forefront. Furthermore, the current advances and setbacks of democracy raise academic and policy concerns about political institutions, representation, and the rule of law in the developing world. The Democracy and Development Research Initiative, under the direction of Professors Atul Kohli and Deborah Yashar, will take a multipronged approach to promote research and teaching on development issues at Princeton. The Initiative will devote one year to each of the following three themes: democracy and inequality in the developing world, globalization and development, and civil wars and failed states. Each year’s theme will be explored through a speakers series, a conference, and with the research and teaching assistance of two visiting fellows.