CUID open debates are informal discussion groups which meet every other Thursday at the Cafe Project on Jesus Lane to talk about development issues. They are quite small scale and participants are encouraged to share their views with the rest of the group. A small amount of prior knowledge is usually required, but only a small amount!

In this session Joe will talk somewhat generally about 'initial conditions' in a society, but mainly will stick to two topics - land reform and sociological legacies. Land reform is very relevant due to the critical role it played in Asian success stories. Joe will also touch upon land reform in Latin America and Africa. Sociological legacies will include colonialism, communism and historical cultural factors. Joe will mention why he thinks that 'dependencies' are real but can be overcome.