During Tony Blair’s tenure, the Department for International Development enjoyed a level of prestige and success unprecedented in development. This book examines New Labour’s creation of DfID and the department’s first five years, drawing on archival material and original interviews to explain what happened. Through its introduction of the development core executive, this work shows how political acumen and relationships shaped DfID and international development. Three case study chapters assess the creation of DfID, the department’s work during the British intervention in Kosovo and its engagement in Sierra Leone between 1998 and 2002. The concluding chapter explores what the department reveals about New Labour’s approach to foreign affairs and development. Through uniting the study of British politics, governance and development policy this book produces the most comprehensive political analysis of DfID to date.

Joshua Larcombe was awarded a PhD at Cardiff University for research into DfID and New Labour.