Beyond Imitation is an essay blog where a development economist writes about how AI progress intersects with global development and economic growth. Its posts combine personal narrative with close critiques of development research, such as a skeptical look at how institutions are measured in empirical studies.

Essays on economic development and poverty that apply economic theory, history and book reviews to questions such as AI's effect on global inequality, the long history of literacy, and Singapore's public housing. Readers get analytical, evidence-grounded perspectives on development topics beyond the usual policy talking points.

A blog analysing economic growth and poverty reduction, with posts that revisit empirical research on cross-country convergence and critique development finance and foreign aid policy. Readers get data-driven commentary on development economics and its policy implications.

Long-form essays and an ongoing threads archive analyzing China's economy, balance of payments, foreign direct investment, and industrial sectors like EVs, batteries and solar. The author uses accounting mechanics and long-run data to challenge mainstream narratives about China's growth.