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To what extent do the arguments against development aid outweigh the case for aid in poor countries?

Development Aid works well in some contexts, has no impact in others, and at times can cause negative outcomes in what has become the increasingly complex business of aid. The literature is now saturated; everyone has an opinion on whether or not aid is a good idea, and if it works (however that is measured). Scholars have argued convincingly for both sides of the polarised debate, but there is only a small body of literature that recognises the growing complexities of aid, focusing on reforming and strengthening the case for aid in poor countries. This paper addresses the critiques for and against DA, but also demonstrates that the picture is not entirely negative and that much can be done to improve the system. The question is not just whether the arguments detailing why aid doesn’t work outweigh the case for aid but how we make aid more effective and efficient.

This paper will not provide detailed analysis of the econometrics of the debate since that has already been covered sufficiently nor will it provide discussion on emergency aid, trade or debt. This paper will focus on Development Aid, otherwise referred to as official development assistance (ODA), and defined as aid which is given either bilaterally (from government to government) or multilaterally (from agencies like the World Bank to governments in recipient countries). DA largely consists of grants and concessional loans that are invested in infrastructure projects (roads, dams, and ports), the provision of large public goods, as well as the more traditional balance of payments support.

This paper will provide a broader analysis that goes beyond ‘cherry picked’ case studies, choosing instead to focus on the structural constraints that prevent effective aid delivery and augment the arguments of DA’s critics. Aid does work and is likely to always exist in some form so let the debate not be a question of whether or not to provide aid and why, but rather, what we can do to improve aid delivery and how we can constructively use critiques against aid to improve the system.

Author: Hannah Taylor  

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How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present?

Promoting human rights, driving the cause against climate change, and at the forefront of disaster relief; non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have an essential role in addressing the issues of global poverty and injustice. Despite good intentions, harmful conduct can arise at any time without an NGO even being aware.

This Paper by Carly Garonne contributes to the growing body of research on ‘doing good’ and minimising ‘doing harm’ by arguing that harm can be reduced by deeply understanding the context of each programme, taking a rights-based approach and conducting participatory work. Additionally, one of the most important means, albeit controversial, is to record failure.

Due to the complexities of this debate, this paper specifically concentrates on the role of international NGOs (INGOs) in order to channel the research. The content is structured into three parts beginning with an overview of INGOs in a modern context to show that growing pressure is being placed on NGOs to increase effectiveness and be accountable for their actions. The dilemmas facing INGOs will be analysed in part two, through the provision of numerous examples and case studies to highlight existing challenges. To finish, general principles that all INGOs can adopt to increase effectiveness will be presented.

Author: Carly Garonne

HD PDF New How can NGOs practice ‘doing good’ and minimise ‘doing harm’? What are the dilemmas and challenges present? (4530)

Global Civil Society and the Developing World

One of the principal goals of the formation and the study of a global civil society is to measure its influence and effect on what galvanises the majority of NGOs around the world: the combating of the causes of global inequality and of poverty and easing of its effects. No more is this felt acutely than in the Developing world. The poorest nations are often those which suffer from the highest degrees of mismanagement and this often compels civil society to respond. In the developing world the re-emergence of states from colonial and into often an authoritarian post-colonial rule has invigorated civil society.

HD PDF NewTowards a Global Civil Society: An evaluation of the evolving inter-relationship of Non- Governmental Organisations, International Organisations and the State (1683)

Chinese Development And The Three Gorges Dam

Perhaps the best example of the sweeping effects of economic development in the new China can be observed in the enormous and controversial practice of displacing populations for the construction of major dam and reservoir projects. Between 1949 and 1993, according to the World Bank , 10.2 million people have been forced to move because of water control projects, and with large scale and ambitious damming projects underway at sites like, this number is likely to grow significantly in years to come.

From the paper

Hii Dunia PDF TagCan Civil Liberties and the Legitimacy of a State be Justifiably Suspended for the Sake of Economic Development? (3281)

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