The role of middle income countries (MICs) in the development cooperation system as both recipients and contributors is the subject of heated debate. Following a good decade for global growth, most developing countries are now described as “middle income countries” taking the World Bank’s definition (approximately $1000 to $12000 GNI per capita). Some have argued that there is little role for the international community in middle income countries, given the increased domestic resources and international private capital at their disposal. We think there are two responses to this. First, most MICs still face considerable structural deficits and vulnerabilities that affect their process of development. Second, future international progress and collective human well-being will be strongly impacted by the success or otherwise of development in MICs.
Middle income countries and the future of development cooperation
