The current state of knowledge about inequality dynamics in developing regions remains inadequate. Given the growing concern about rising inequality globally, understanding more about the countries that have successfully reduced inequality and examining how and when governments have introduced redistributive policies may help to galvanize momentum for reform in other contexts. With this in mind, the III developed a research programme to study cases of inequality decline and redistributive policy-making in developing countries with a focus on the political conditions that led to their adoption.
The Atlantic Fellows for Social and Economic Equity programme supported an effort to map income inequality trends across the developing world, identifying countries where inequality has substantially declined in the past two decades.