Development Studies in the Mid-2020s: Reflecting on the Past, Looking to the Future

Abstract The 50th anniversary of the European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI) presents an opportune moment to reflect on the current state of Development Studies as well as to consider its future trajectory. This overview paper to the special issue presents a brief history of Development Studies, elucidates the framing of the special issue the guest editors have assembled, and presents the papers in the set, which collectively explore diversity and tensions in Development Studies in the mid-2020s. Our objective in organising this special issue is to stimulate discussion on how Development Studies can navigate its internal tensions while remaining responsive to the complexities of a turbulent world. We hope that the discussions presented here successfully showcase a variety of viewpoints regarding key debates in the field.