This paper was written as a background note for the Commonwealth Expert Group on Democracy and Development (chaired by the Hon Dr Manmohan Singh, the current Prime Minister of India). It clarified some of the major themes which were discussed in the deliberations of the Group.Poverty, Democracy and Development is in four parts. Part A reviews the extent of poverty and outlines some of the particular challenges confronting democracies in the current historical situation. Part B discusses the links between conflict, poverty and development on the one hand and democracy and good governance on the other, and possible ways by which support may be provided to democracies in combating poverty. Part C discusses possible strategies for winning global support, and the role of the Commonwealth in mobilizing such support. Part D provides a summary of issues for the consideration of the Expert Group.