1. Introduction

In the contemporary landscape of governance and development, economic and social policies intersect in ways that profoundly shape the well-being of nations and their citizens. Recent observations are reflecting that while the Global South countries are making an attempt to adopt economic and governance models of the Western democracies, there are several unique idiosyncrasies that must be acknowledged and analyzed within the context of Global South economics. For instance, the roles and lines between the executive leadership in political echelons, parliament, and supposedly independent key institutions, such as the judiciary and the parliament, remain blurred. This ultimately influences how legal frameworks and macroeconomic policies are crafted and implemented. This edited volume seeks to explore these intersections through a diverse set of chapters covering the role of parliament in economic governance; social inclusion; national budgets for education, health, and social protection; public debt; financial inclusion; macroeconomic policies; illicit financial flows (IFFs); and other related themes. Each of these areas plays a critical role in determining a country’s development trajectory, affecting everything from economic stability to social equity and the resilience of public institutions. At the heart of this volume is an inquiry into how these different elements interact within the broader framework of governance, economic management, and social policy. The various chapters critically examine the institutional, policy, and governance dimensions of economic decision-making, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in shaping inclusive and sustainable development. This book brings together contributions from scholars and practitioners across disciplines and provides a holistic view of the key financial, political, and social issues that underpin national and global economic systems.