The term 'network' is now a buzzword - from the Internet to the G8 to anti-globalization protests to Al Queda, we hear that networks are the most effective organizational model. So too in the field of international development. New streams of literature on networks are emerging from researchers on social capital, organizational management and globalization. Practitioners are setting up networks all over the place. Do they work? Often, yes - they can improve the use of information in the policymaking processes. Networks deserve some of the hype. But no, they don't change the basic rules of economics, politics or human nature.