About this book:

"The End of Want?" explores the multidimensional nature of poverty in the 21st century, arguing that eradication is possible through a synthesis of technological innovation, institutional reform, and inclusive economic strategies. The book moves beyond simple income-based metrics to advocate for "multidimensional" measurement and the establishment of "human capital floors"—universal access to quality health, education, and digital public infrastructure. It emphasizes that poverty is a deficit of power and resilience, exacerbated by "risk multipliers" such as climate change, conflict, and state fragility.

The text details specific policy levers for structural transformation, including the formalization of the informal economy, the strategic use of industrial policy to create green jobs, and the expansion of shock-responsive social protection systems like cash transfers. A significant focus is placed on the "care economy" and gender equality, asserting that recognizing unpaid labor and empowering women are foundational to global prosperity. The book also examines the role of global systems, calling for tax justice, the regulation of illicit finance, and a more equitable international trade and debt architecture to support developing nations.

To manage future uncertainty, the book utilizes "backcasting" to create a strategic roadmap with specific milestones for 2030 and 2040. It contrasts three potential futures for 2050—Baseline, Breakthrough, and Breakdown—ultimately championing the "Breakthrough" path. This vision relies on building state capacity, fostering community agency through social movements, and leveraging "big bets" like Universal Basic Income. The final argument is that the end of material want is not a matter of fate but a deliberate design choice requiring sustained political will and adaptive, evidence-based governance.

What You'll Find Inside:

• Multidimensional poverty measurement approaches that track deprivations in health, education, living standards, and agency beyond simple income lines
• Design principles for adaptive social protection systems that can rapidly scale up during crises while maintaining permanent coverage
• Strategies for inclusive industrial policy focused on job creation, economic diversification, and green transitions that benefit the majority
• The role of digital public infrastructure (identity systems, real-time payments, data sharing) in enabling financial inclusion and reducing transaction costs
• Women's empowerment and care economies as central to poverty reduction, addressing unpaid care work and gender inequality in economic opportunities

Who's It For:

The book is a field guide for policymakers, philanthropists, and activists who must act under uncertainty and pressure. It provides practical strategies for sequencing reforms, building coalitions, financing and governing programs at scale, and adapting to changing conditions. Readers will benefit most if they are involved in designing or implementing poverty reduction initiatives and need evidence-based approaches that work across multiple future scenarios.