This seminar course is devoted to understanding various dimensions of development, including economic growth, state building, and democratic accountability. Why are some countries rich while others remain poor? Why do some countries have well-functioning states while others do not? Why do some countries have strong laws and property rights protection that support economic development, while others do not? Why are some countries stable democracies, and others authoritarian? This course explores the key analytical concepts and theories that explain the development trajectories of countries, with an emphasis on the rigorous application of empirical methods.