Thomas Carothers
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199240975
- eISBN:
- 9780191598999
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199240973.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Democracy assistance is one of the most important policy tools available to the US for the promotion of democracy and it is an increasingly significant component of American foreign aid. This chapter ...
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Democracy assistance is one of the most important policy tools available to the US for the promotion of democracy and it is an increasingly significant component of American foreign aid. This chapter traces the rise of US democracy aid since the 1960s and outlines the basic types, sources, and forms of such aid. It analyses the strengths and problems derived from the specific models of democracy and democratization that underlie US democracy programmes and concludes that rarely these programmes can produce decisive effects.Less
Democracy assistance is one of the most important policy tools available to the US for the promotion of democracy and it is an increasingly significant component of American foreign aid. This chapter traces the rise of US democracy aid since the 1960s and outlines the basic types, sources, and forms of such aid. It analyses the strengths and problems derived from the specific models of democracy and democratization that underlie US democracy programmes and concludes that rarely these programmes can produce decisive effects.
Young-Iob Chung
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195325454
- eISBN:
- 9780199783908
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325454.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This book examines South Korea's robust economic development and rapid capital formation, which has transformed the country from an agrarian/semi-industrial economy facing seemingly insurmountable ...
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This book examines South Korea's robust economic development and rapid capital formation, which has transformed the country from an agrarian/semi-industrial economy facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and naysayers at the end of World War II into one of the twelve largest industrialized economies in the global market by the end of the 20th century. After evaluating economic development, this book assesses sectoral investments, both in the public and business sectors, focusing on their volume, nature, sources, and means of financing investment at home and abroad. The domestic sources for savings in the private sectors, which constituted four-fifths of savings, are traced to the business and personal/household sectors, while those in the public sector are tracked mostly to household and foreign sectors in the form of loans and aid, especially from the United States and Japan. The book also examines the sources and magnitude of high business savings that are traced to large profits, which are mainly attributable to generous government bounties, subsidies, and inflation windfalls. Investment in human capital by both the public and private sectors is also investigated. The role and the contribution of government in all aspects of South Korea's success in capital formation and economic development, especially in promoting the import-substitution and export industries, are considered. The book also discusses the sources of foreign savings, which played the crucial role in capital formation and economic development in the early years after the Korean War.Less
This book examines South Korea's robust economic development and rapid capital formation, which has transformed the country from an agrarian/semi-industrial economy facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles and naysayers at the end of World War II into one of the twelve largest industrialized economies in the global market by the end of the 20th century. After evaluating economic development, this book assesses sectoral investments, both in the public and business sectors, focusing on their volume, nature, sources, and means of financing investment at home and abroad. The domestic sources for savings in the private sectors, which constituted four-fifths of savings, are traced to the business and personal/household sectors, while those in the public sector are tracked mostly to household and foreign sectors in the form of loans and aid, especially from the United States and Japan. The book also examines the sources and magnitude of high business savings that are traced to large profits, which are mainly attributable to generous government bounties, subsidies, and inflation windfalls. Investment in human capital by both the public and private sectors is also investigated. The role and the contribution of government in all aspects of South Korea's success in capital formation and economic development, especially in promoting the import-substitution and export industries, are considered. The book also discusses the sources of foreign savings, which played the crucial role in capital formation and economic development in the early years after the Korean War.
Finn Tarp
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199580934
- eISBN:
- 9780191723346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580934.003.0002
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Foreign aid looms large in the public discourse; and international development assistance remains squarely on most policy agendas concerned with growth, poverty, and inequality in Africa and ...
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Foreign aid looms large in the public discourse; and international development assistance remains squarely on most policy agendas concerned with growth, poverty, and inequality in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world. The present review takes a retrospective look at how foreign aid has evolved since the Second World War in response to a dramatically changing global political and economic context. I review the aid process and associated trends in the volume and distribution of aid and categorize some of the key goals, principles, and institutions of the aid system. The evidence on whether aid has been effective in furthering economic growth and development is discussed in some detail. I add perspective and identify some critical unresolved issues. I finally turn to the current development debate and discuss some key concerns that should be kept in mind in formulating any agenda for aid in the future.Less
Foreign aid looms large in the public discourse; and international development assistance remains squarely on most policy agendas concerned with growth, poverty, and inequality in Africa and elsewhere in the developing world. The present review takes a retrospective look at how foreign aid has evolved since the Second World War in response to a dramatically changing global political and economic context. I review the aid process and associated trends in the volume and distribution of aid and categorize some of the key goals, principles, and institutions of the aid system. The evidence on whether aid has been effective in furthering economic growth and development is discussed in some detail. I add perspective and identify some critical unresolved issues. I finally turn to the current development debate and discuss some key concerns that should be kept in mind in formulating any agenda for aid in the future.
Richard W. Miller
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199581986
- eISBN:
- 9780191723247
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199581986.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
In practice, the relational approach of this book turns out to have much in common with the perspectives of impartial concern, global egalitarianism, or demanding global beneficence whose foundations ...
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In practice, the relational approach of this book turns out to have much in common with the perspectives of impartial concern, global egalitarianism, or demanding global beneficence whose foundations it undermines. Combined with the real if limited transnational demands of beneficence, the transnational interactions whose moral impact has been traced generate a vast sum of unmet responsibilities of people in developed countries to help needy people in all developing countries. Despite the limited efficacy of foreign aid, fulfillment of these responsibilities would provide great benefits to these people, at significant cost to some disadvantaged people in developed countries. Within stringent limits of political feasibility, efforts to reduce irresponsibility should give priority to the neediest, the same priorities as follow from impartial concern. The positive long‐term goal unifying these efforts is an aspiration to replace subordination and deprivation with global civic friendship, paralleling the aspiration to civic friendship among compatriots while taking very different forms.Less
In practice, the relational approach of this book turns out to have much in common with the perspectives of impartial concern, global egalitarianism, or demanding global beneficence whose foundations it undermines. Combined with the real if limited transnational demands of beneficence, the transnational interactions whose moral impact has been traced generate a vast sum of unmet responsibilities of people in developed countries to help needy people in all developing countries. Despite the limited efficacy of foreign aid, fulfillment of these responsibilities would provide great benefits to these people, at significant cost to some disadvantaged people in developed countries. Within stringent limits of political feasibility, efforts to reduce irresponsibility should give priority to the neediest, the same priorities as follow from impartial concern. The positive long‐term goal unifying these efforts is an aspiration to replace subordination and deprivation with global civic friendship, paralleling the aspiration to civic friendship among compatriots while taking very different forms.
Amanda Kay McVety
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199796915
- eISBN:
- 9780199933266
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199796915.003.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century, World Modern History
In 1949, the U.S. House of Representatives opened hearings H.R. 5615, the “International Technical Cooperation Act of 1949.” While discussing the specific act, which had grown out of Truman’s ...
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In 1949, the U.S. House of Representatives opened hearings H.R. 5615, the “International Technical Cooperation Act of 1949.” While discussing the specific act, which had grown out of Truman’s inaugural address earlier that year, the Congressmen discussed the much larger question of the value of using economic and technical assistance as foreign policy tools. In the end, they voted for foreign aid and established the Point Four Program. Using Ethiopia as a test case, this book explores the consequences of that decision.Less
In 1949, the U.S. House of Representatives opened hearings H.R. 5615, the “International Technical Cooperation Act of 1949.” While discussing the specific act, which had grown out of Truman’s inaugural address earlier that year, the Congressmen discussed the much larger question of the value of using economic and technical assistance as foreign policy tools. In the end, they voted for foreign aid and established the Point Four Program. Using Ethiopia as a test case, this book explores the consequences of that decision.
Noel Maurer
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691155821
- eISBN:
- 9781400846603
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691155821.003.0007
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter explores how the United States' return to the empire trap played out, starting with Franklin Roosevelt in Mexico through Eisenhower in Guatemala and faraway Iran. Under Franklin ...
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This chapter explores how the United States' return to the empire trap played out, starting with Franklin Roosevelt in Mexico through Eisenhower in Guatemala and faraway Iran. Under Franklin Roosevelt, the United States began to provide foreign aid (in the form of grants and loans) and rolled out perhaps the first case of modern covert action against the government of Cuba. Both tools were perfected during the Second World War, which saw the creation of entire agencies of government dedicated to providing official transfers and covertly manipulating the affairs of foreign states. In addition, the development of sophisticated trade controls allowed targeted action against the exports of other nations. For example, after 1948 the United States could attempt to influence certain Latin American governments by granting or withholding quotas for sugar.Less
This chapter explores how the United States' return to the empire trap played out, starting with Franklin Roosevelt in Mexico through Eisenhower in Guatemala and faraway Iran. Under Franklin Roosevelt, the United States began to provide foreign aid (in the form of grants and loans) and rolled out perhaps the first case of modern covert action against the government of Cuba. Both tools were perfected during the Second World War, which saw the creation of entire agencies of government dedicated to providing official transfers and covertly manipulating the affairs of foreign states. In addition, the development of sophisticated trade controls allowed targeted action against the exports of other nations. For example, after 1948 the United States could attempt to influence certain Latin American governments by granting or withholding quotas for sugar.
Amanda Kay McVety
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199796915
- eISBN:
- 9780199933266
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199796915.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century, World Modern History
In his 1949 inaugural address, Harry Truman vowed to make the development of the underdeveloped world a central part of America’s national security agenda. This commitment became policy the following ...
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In his 1949 inaugural address, Harry Truman vowed to make the development of the underdeveloped world a central part of America’s national security agenda. This commitment became policy the following year with the creation of Point Four—the first U.S. aid program to the developing world. Point Four technicians taught classes on public health and irrigation, distributed chickens and vaccines, and helped build schools and water treatment facilities. They did all of it in the name of development, believing that economic progress would lead to social and political progress, which, in turn, would ensure that recipient nations would become prosperous democratic participants in the global community of nations. Point Four was a weapon in the fight against poverty, but it was also a weapon in the fight against the Soviet Union. Eisenhower reluctantly embraced it and Kennedy made it a central part of his international policy agenda, turning Truman’s program into the United States Agency for International Development. Point Four had proven itself to be a useful tool of diplomacy, and subsequent administrations claimed it for themselves. None seemed overly worried that it had not also proven itself to be a particularly useful tool of development. Using Ethiopia as a case study, Enlightened Aid: Development as Foreign Policy examines the struggle between foreign aid for diplomacy and foreign aid for development. Point Four’s creators believed that aid could be both at the same time. The history of U.S. aid to Ethiopia suggests otherwise.Less
In his 1949 inaugural address, Harry Truman vowed to make the development of the underdeveloped world a central part of America’s national security agenda. This commitment became policy the following year with the creation of Point Four—the first U.S. aid program to the developing world. Point Four technicians taught classes on public health and irrigation, distributed chickens and vaccines, and helped build schools and water treatment facilities. They did all of it in the name of development, believing that economic progress would lead to social and political progress, which, in turn, would ensure that recipient nations would become prosperous democratic participants in the global community of nations. Point Four was a weapon in the fight against poverty, but it was also a weapon in the fight against the Soviet Union. Eisenhower reluctantly embraced it and Kennedy made it a central part of his international policy agenda, turning Truman’s program into the United States Agency for International Development. Point Four had proven itself to be a useful tool of diplomacy, and subsequent administrations claimed it for themselves. None seemed overly worried that it had not also proven itself to be a particularly useful tool of development. Using Ethiopia as a case study, Enlightened Aid: Development as Foreign Policy examines the struggle between foreign aid for diplomacy and foreign aid for development. Point Four’s creators believed that aid could be both at the same time. The history of U.S. aid to Ethiopia suggests otherwise.
Daniel C. O'Neill
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- May 2019
- ISBN:
- 9789888455966
- eISBN:
- 9789888455461
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Hong Kong University Press
- DOI:
- 10.5790/hongkong/9789888455966.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter analyses how China converts its financial power into influence abroad. It argues that the provision of aid, loans, and foreign direct investment is a key tool China uses to project its ...
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This chapter analyses how China converts its financial power into influence abroad. It argues that the provision of aid, loans, and foreign direct investment is a key tool China uses to project its power. It further asserts that China’s financial resources have a greater impact in less developed states, which by definition are lacking in capital, and in authoritarian regimes, due to the much smaller number of those whose support must be garnered in order to influence policies. It shows how Chinese finance secures influence over foreign state governments by enhancing the resources available for the foreign leader to disburse to the ruling coalition that keeps the leader in power. A stylized “aid game” illustrates the bargaining that occurs between state leaders over such capital imports. It further examines some of the accepted wisdom concerning Chinese “aid”, including the strings attached to what is often termed “no strings attached” aid, as well as whether China’s financial assistance is accurately termed “aid.” It also shows the myriad of channels through which capital inflows from China can be diverted from the projects they are funding in order to help the recipient state leader maintain power, thereby enhancing China’s influence over that leader.Less
This chapter analyses how China converts its financial power into influence abroad. It argues that the provision of aid, loans, and foreign direct investment is a key tool China uses to project its power. It further asserts that China’s financial resources have a greater impact in less developed states, which by definition are lacking in capital, and in authoritarian regimes, due to the much smaller number of those whose support must be garnered in order to influence policies. It shows how Chinese finance secures influence over foreign state governments by enhancing the resources available for the foreign leader to disburse to the ruling coalition that keeps the leader in power. A stylized “aid game” illustrates the bargaining that occurs between state leaders over such capital imports. It further examines some of the accepted wisdom concerning Chinese “aid”, including the strings attached to what is often termed “no strings attached” aid, as well as whether China’s financial assistance is accurately termed “aid.” It also shows the myriad of channels through which capital inflows from China can be diverted from the projects they are funding in order to help the recipient state leader maintain power, thereby enhancing China’s influence over that leader.
Ghassan Dibeh
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199580934
- eISBN:
- 9780191723346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580934.003.0008
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter shows that foreign aid in post-war Lebanon passed through two phases with distinct features that have had far reaching implications for post-war development. In the first phase lasting ...
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This chapter shows that foreign aid in post-war Lebanon passed through two phases with distinct features that have had far reaching implications for post-war development. In the first phase lasting from 1992-97, foreign aid was mainly channelled towards providing resources for post-war reconstruction projects. The second phase from 1997 to the present witnessed a qualitative shift in foreign aid utilization from reconstruction needs towards financial stability and balance-of-payments equilibrium needs. This shift allowed the government to intervene in the foreign exchange market, maintained balance of payments surpluses during this period, reduced interest rates on public debt instruments and finally provided the necessary liquidity and ‘confidence’ for the government to continue borrowing funds from local commercial banks and foreign investors. More importantly this shift in foreign aid allowed the government to avoid financial and currency crises in 2002. However, the cost of such a qualitative shift was large in terms of fiscal management, diversion of funds from reconstruction, and the increased dependency of the Lebanese economy on foreign aid for stabilization purposes.Less
This chapter shows that foreign aid in post-war Lebanon passed through two phases with distinct features that have had far reaching implications for post-war development. In the first phase lasting from 1992-97, foreign aid was mainly channelled towards providing resources for post-war reconstruction projects. The second phase from 1997 to the present witnessed a qualitative shift in foreign aid utilization from reconstruction needs towards financial stability and balance-of-payments equilibrium needs. This shift allowed the government to intervene in the foreign exchange market, maintained balance of payments surpluses during this period, reduced interest rates on public debt instruments and finally provided the necessary liquidity and ‘confidence’ for the government to continue borrowing funds from local commercial banks and foreign investors. More importantly this shift in foreign aid allowed the government to avoid financial and currency crises in 2002. However, the cost of such a qualitative shift was large in terms of fiscal management, diversion of funds from reconstruction, and the increased dependency of the Lebanese economy on foreign aid for stabilization purposes.
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226470436
- eISBN:
- 9780226470627
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226470627.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of US foreign aid. US foreign aid had long been an instrument of Cold War containment, an expression of American altruism, and much more. The ...
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This chapter discusses the history and evolution of US foreign aid. US foreign aid had long been an instrument of Cold War containment, an expression of American altruism, and much more. The combination of diplomacy and development as its most prominent purposes was no accident of history. It was the result of the peculiarities of US domestic politics: the especially controversial nature of foreign aid, both on the right and left of the American political spectrum, and its usefulness to both; the struggle between diplomatic and development interests over the purposes of aid—the latter strengthening over time but never strong enough alone to carry forward aid appropriations year after year; and the nature of American political institutions, which tended to amplify controversies involving foreign aid.Less
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of US foreign aid. US foreign aid had long been an instrument of Cold War containment, an expression of American altruism, and much more. The combination of diplomacy and development as its most prominent purposes was no accident of history. It was the result of the peculiarities of US domestic politics: the especially controversial nature of foreign aid, both on the right and left of the American political spectrum, and its usefulness to both; the struggle between diplomatic and development interests over the purposes of aid—the latter strengthening over time but never strong enough alone to carry forward aid appropriations year after year; and the nature of American political institutions, which tended to amplify controversies involving foreign aid.
Kevin O'Sullivan
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- May 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780719086021
- eISBN:
- 9781781704905
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Manchester University Press
- DOI:
- 10.7228/manchester/9780719086021.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History
In the twenty years after Ireland joined the UN in 1955, one subject dominated its fortunes: Africa. The first detailed study of Ireland's relationship with that continent, this book documents its ...
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In the twenty years after Ireland joined the UN in 1955, one subject dominated its fortunes: Africa. The first detailed study of Ireland's relationship with that continent, this book documents its special place in Irish history. It describes the missionaries, aid workers, diplomats, peacekeepers, and anti-apartheid protesters at the heart of Irish popular understanding of the developing world. It chronicles Africa's influence on Irish foreign policy, from decolonisation and the end of empire, to apartheid and the rise of foreign aid. Adopting a fresh, and strongly comparative approach, this book shows how small and middling powers like Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands and the Nordic states used Africa to shape their position in the international system, and how their influence waned with the rise of the Afro-Asian bloc. O’Sullivan details the link between African decolonisation and Ireland's self-defined post-colonial identity: at the UN, in the Congo, South Africa, Rhodesia, and Biafra – even in remote mission stations in rural Africa. When growing African radicalism made that role difficult to sustain, this book describes how missionaries, NGOs, and anti-apartheid campaigners helped to re-invent the Irish government's position, to become the ‘moral conscience’ of the EC. Offering a fascinating account of small state diplomacy and identity in a vital period for the Cold War, and a unique perspective on African decolonisation, this book provides essential insight for scholars of Irish history, African history, international relations, and the history of NGOs, as well as anyone interested in why Africa holds such an important place in the Irish public imagination.Less
In the twenty years after Ireland joined the UN in 1955, one subject dominated its fortunes: Africa. The first detailed study of Ireland's relationship with that continent, this book documents its special place in Irish history. It describes the missionaries, aid workers, diplomats, peacekeepers, and anti-apartheid protesters at the heart of Irish popular understanding of the developing world. It chronicles Africa's influence on Irish foreign policy, from decolonisation and the end of empire, to apartheid and the rise of foreign aid. Adopting a fresh, and strongly comparative approach, this book shows how small and middling powers like Ireland, Canada, the Netherlands and the Nordic states used Africa to shape their position in the international system, and how their influence waned with the rise of the Afro-Asian bloc. O’Sullivan details the link between African decolonisation and Ireland's self-defined post-colonial identity: at the UN, in the Congo, South Africa, Rhodesia, and Biafra – even in remote mission stations in rural Africa. When growing African radicalism made that role difficult to sustain, this book describes how missionaries, NGOs, and anti-apartheid campaigners helped to re-invent the Irish government's position, to become the ‘moral conscience’ of the EC. Offering a fascinating account of small state diplomacy and identity in a vital period for the Cold War, and a unique perspective on African decolonisation, this book provides essential insight for scholars of Irish history, African history, international relations, and the history of NGOs, as well as anyone interested in why Africa holds such an important place in the Irish public imagination.
Machiko Nissanke
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199580934
- eISBN:
- 9780191723346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580934.003.0004
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
This chapter criticizes the current International Development Association (IDA) aid allocation and debt sustainability framework on the grounds of their over-reliance on the country policy and ...
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This chapter criticizes the current International Development Association (IDA) aid allocation and debt sustainability framework on the grounds of their over-reliance on the country policy and institutional assessment (CPIA) as the guiding criterion. It argues that CPIA-centred allocation of aid fails to introduce an incentives structure supportive of a genuine donor-recipient partnership, conducive to development. Further, it claims that the CPIA-dependent debt thresholds—central to the new debt sustainability framework—effectively submit sustainability concerns to the policy performance prerogatives of the aid allocation system. Resting on a thin empirical basis, such approach fails to take due account of low-income countries' vulnerability to exogenous shocks, as a key determinant of debt distress. As an alternative to the current CPIA-based scheme, the paper outlines the key features of a state-contingent mechanism, guiding both aid allocation and debt sustainability analysis.Less
This chapter criticizes the current International Development Association (IDA) aid allocation and debt sustainability framework on the grounds of their over-reliance on the country policy and institutional assessment (CPIA) as the guiding criterion. It argues that CPIA-centred allocation of aid fails to introduce an incentives structure supportive of a genuine donor-recipient partnership, conducive to development. Further, it claims that the CPIA-dependent debt thresholds—central to the new debt sustainability framework—effectively submit sustainability concerns to the policy performance prerogatives of the aid allocation system. Resting on a thin empirical basis, such approach fails to take due account of low-income countries' vulnerability to exogenous shocks, as a key determinant of debt distress. As an alternative to the current CPIA-based scheme, the paper outlines the key features of a state-contingent mechanism, guiding both aid allocation and debt sustainability analysis.
Inge Kaul and Pedro Conceiçāo
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195179972
- eISBN:
- 9780199850709
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195179972.003.0022
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, International
This chapter examines the role of pull instruments or challenge grants within the overall framework of foreign aid. It evaluates the Millennium Challenge Account and suggests that challenge programs ...
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This chapter examines the role of pull instruments or challenge grants within the overall framework of foreign aid. It evaluates the Millennium Challenge Account and suggests that challenge programs could be a first step toward designing aid delivery approaches for different countries. It suggests that more differentiated strategies could allow donors to tailor aid delivery instruments more closely to the strengths and weaknesses of recipient countries, which would make aid more efficient and effective.Less
This chapter examines the role of pull instruments or challenge grants within the overall framework of foreign aid. It evaluates the Millennium Challenge Account and suggests that challenge programs could be a first step toward designing aid delivery approaches for different countries. It suggests that more differentiated strategies could allow donors to tailor aid delivery instruments more closely to the strengths and weaknesses of recipient countries, which would make aid more efficient and effective.
Simone Dietrich and Joseph Wright
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199686285
- eISBN:
- 9780191766206
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686285.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
Over the past two decades, donors increasingly linked foreign aid to democracy objectives in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet systematic research on this topic typically focuses on how aid influences ...
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Over the past two decades, donors increasingly linked foreign aid to democracy objectives in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet systematic research on this topic typically focuses on how aid influences democratic transitions. This study investigates whether and how foreign aid affects the process of democratic consolidation in sub-Saharan Africa by examining two potential mechanisms: (1) the use of aid as leverage to buy political reform, and (2) investment in the opposition. We test these mechanisms using five dependent variables that capture different aspects of democratic consolidation. Using survival analysis for the period from 1991 to 2008, we find that democracy and governance aid has a consistently positive effect on democratic consolidation. Economic aid, on the other hand, has no effect on democratic consolidationLess
Over the past two decades, donors increasingly linked foreign aid to democracy objectives in sub-Saharan Africa. Yet systematic research on this topic typically focuses on how aid influences democratic transitions. This study investigates whether and how foreign aid affects the process of democratic consolidation in sub-Saharan Africa by examining two potential mechanisms: (1) the use of aid as leverage to buy political reform, and (2) investment in the opposition. We test these mechanisms using five dependent variables that capture different aspects of democratic consolidation. Using survival analysis for the period from 1991 to 2008, we find that democracy and governance aid has a consistently positive effect on democratic consolidation. Economic aid, on the other hand, has no effect on democratic consolidation
Gustav Ranis
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199580934
- eISBN:
- 9780191723346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199580934.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
At the very time that professional scepticism concerning the effectiveness of foreign aid has reached new heights, donors seem to be ready to substantially increase the volume of aid they are willing ...
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At the very time that professional scepticism concerning the effectiveness of foreign aid has reached new heights, donors seem to be ready to substantially increase the volume of aid they are willing to make available. This paper attempts to address this paradox by first examining the record of aid in the past, distinguishing between cross-country regressions and select country experience. It subsequently proceeds to propose the establishment of a new modus operandi for foreign aid, based on a much more passive, banker-like posture by donors, leaving the initiative for defining what reforms are feasible, plus the establishment of self-conditionality, to third world recipients before they approach the international community of donors.Less
At the very time that professional scepticism concerning the effectiveness of foreign aid has reached new heights, donors seem to be ready to substantially increase the volume of aid they are willing to make available. This paper attempts to address this paradox by first examining the record of aid in the past, distinguishing between cross-country regressions and select country experience. It subsequently proceeds to propose the establishment of a new modus operandi for foreign aid, based on a much more passive, banker-like posture by donors, leaving the initiative for defining what reforms are feasible, plus the establishment of self-conditionality, to third world recipients before they approach the international community of donors.
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226470436
- eISBN:
- 9780226470627
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226470627.003.0002
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Foreign aid, which began as an instrument of Cold War diplomacy, became a permanent element in relations between states, reflecting a strengthening norm that the governments of rich countries should ...
More
Foreign aid, which began as an instrument of Cold War diplomacy, became a permanent element in relations between states, reflecting a strengthening norm that the governments of rich countries should help poor countries improve the well-being of their peoples. Such a norm was hardly imagined at the beginning of the foreign aid era; it is seldom contested today. The path by which that norm developed involves the domestic political processes of aid-giving countries, international trends and events, and pressures from international organizations that supported the use of aid for human betterment. This chapter describes the history of foreign aid over the past threescore years from a global perspective.Less
Foreign aid, which began as an instrument of Cold War diplomacy, became a permanent element in relations between states, reflecting a strengthening norm that the governments of rich countries should help poor countries improve the well-being of their peoples. Such a norm was hardly imagined at the beginning of the foreign aid era; it is seldom contested today. The path by which that norm developed involves the domestic political processes of aid-giving countries, international trends and events, and pressures from international organizations that supported the use of aid for human betterment. This chapter describes the history of foreign aid over the past threescore years from a global perspective.
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226470436
- eISBN:
- 9780226470627
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226470627.003.0004
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of Japanese foreign aid, which has long been viewed as driven by commercial motives: expanding exports and ensuring access to needed raw materials ...
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This chapter discusses the history and evolution of Japanese foreign aid, which has long been viewed as driven by commercial motives: expanding exports and ensuring access to needed raw materials imports. Commerce certainly played a major role in the country allocation and use of Japan's economic assistance, but this purpose was always embedded in the government's fundamental goals of prosperity, autonomy, and international respect. By the late 1970s, once Japan made significant progress on its economic goals, the orientation of its aid began to shift. Diplomatic concerns (especially managing relations with the United States) became more prominent, playing a direct role in both the amount and country allocation of Japanese aid. By 1989, after doubling its aid several times over during the 1980s, Japan became the “aid superpower”—the largest single donor in the world—and remained so during much of the 1990s. But it proved unable to hold to its position as the largest aid donor in the face of domestic economic crises and several major scandals involving its assistance. Japanese aid was cut sharply at the end of the 1990s, and the government was never able fully to align its development aid policies with those of other governments. Japanese bilateral aid remained heavily focused on funding infrastructure, especially in East Asia, leaving Japan more of a niche player in development aid than a world leader.Less
This chapter discusses the history and evolution of Japanese foreign aid, which has long been viewed as driven by commercial motives: expanding exports and ensuring access to needed raw materials imports. Commerce certainly played a major role in the country allocation and use of Japan's economic assistance, but this purpose was always embedded in the government's fundamental goals of prosperity, autonomy, and international respect. By the late 1970s, once Japan made significant progress on its economic goals, the orientation of its aid began to shift. Diplomatic concerns (especially managing relations with the United States) became more prominent, playing a direct role in both the amount and country allocation of Japanese aid. By 1989, after doubling its aid several times over during the 1980s, Japan became the “aid superpower”—the largest single donor in the world—and remained so during much of the 1990s. But it proved unable to hold to its position as the largest aid donor in the face of domestic economic crises and several major scandals involving its assistance. Japanese aid was cut sharply at the end of the 1990s, and the government was never able fully to align its development aid policies with those of other governments. Japanese bilateral aid remained heavily focused on funding infrastructure, especially in East Asia, leaving Japan more of a niche player in development aid than a world leader.
Nancy H. Kwak
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780226282350
- eISBN:
- 9780226282497
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226282497.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, American History: 20th Century
After World War II, American planners and housing experts urged countries around the world to launch mass homeownership programs. The US’ rising dominance in the global economy led these men and ...
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After World War II, American planners and housing experts urged countries around the world to launch mass homeownership programs. The US’ rising dominance in the global economy led these men and women to believe they could exert greater influence over the writing of laws, institutions, and forms around the world. They believed more accessible, mortgage-driven homeownership could spread political and economic stability; by giving families a literal stake in the nation, governments could stimulate political “buy in” and motivate higher savings rates, providing a larger pool of potential development capital for national economic growth and raising standards of living. All of these benefits would render a country less vulnerable to communism and bolster international security. To itinerant American experts, mass homeownership seemed an unquestionable good in the postwar world. Despite the flood of American dollars and advice, however, housing diplomacy played out unpredictably. Local and national interests determined what aspects of overseas aid would be accepted and implemented. Even governments that wanted to replicate American mass homeownership programs ended up producing highly localized forms serving particular political constituencies. In the end, questions of who should own homes where, and how, intertwined with the largest questions about economy, government, and society. This book narrates the evolution of American overseas housing aid programs and explains the limits on American influence in the postwar world.Less
After World War II, American planners and housing experts urged countries around the world to launch mass homeownership programs. The US’ rising dominance in the global economy led these men and women to believe they could exert greater influence over the writing of laws, institutions, and forms around the world. They believed more accessible, mortgage-driven homeownership could spread political and economic stability; by giving families a literal stake in the nation, governments could stimulate political “buy in” and motivate higher savings rates, providing a larger pool of potential development capital for national economic growth and raising standards of living. All of these benefits would render a country less vulnerable to communism and bolster international security. To itinerant American experts, mass homeownership seemed an unquestionable good in the postwar world. Despite the flood of American dollars and advice, however, housing diplomacy played out unpredictably. Local and national interests determined what aspects of overseas aid would be accepted and implemented. Even governments that wanted to replicate American mass homeownership programs ended up producing highly localized forms serving particular political constituencies. In the end, questions of who should own homes where, and how, intertwined with the largest questions about economy, government, and society. This book narrates the evolution of American overseas housing aid programs and explains the limits on American influence in the postwar world.
Danielle Resnick and Nicolas van de Walle
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199686285
- eISBN:
- 9780191766206
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686285.003.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
When, why, and how has foreign aid facilitated, or hindered, democratic transitions and consolidation in recipient countries? Despite impressive growth over the last decade, Africa still remains the ...
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When, why, and how has foreign aid facilitated, or hindered, democratic transitions and consolidation in recipient countries? Despite impressive growth over the last decade, Africa still remains the most aid-dependent region of the world. At the same time, many African countries are relatively young democracies that continue to face constraints in terms of strengthening the institutions needed for good governance and protecting the human rights of all citizens. Addressing such constraints is gaining greater salience on the international donor agenda. However, there is little cumulative knowledge regarding whether, and how, foreign aid has promoted such goals. This study instead recognizes that while aid’s effectiveness is often conditioned by a range of political factors, it often also generates new political dynamics and reinforces existing political practices and actorsLess
When, why, and how has foreign aid facilitated, or hindered, democratic transitions and consolidation in recipient countries? Despite impressive growth over the last decade, Africa still remains the most aid-dependent region of the world. At the same time, many African countries are relatively young democracies that continue to face constraints in terms of strengthening the institutions needed for good governance and protecting the human rights of all citizens. Addressing such constraints is gaining greater salience on the international donor agenda. However, there is little cumulative knowledge regarding whether, and how, foreign aid has promoted such goals. This study instead recognizes that while aid’s effectiveness is often conditioned by a range of political factors, it often also generates new political dynamics and reinforces existing political practices and actors
Carol Lancaster
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- March 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226470436
- eISBN:
- 9780226470627
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226470627.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
A twentieth-century innovation, foreign aid has become a familiar and even expected element in international relations. But scholars and government officials continue to debate why countries provide ...
More
A twentieth-century innovation, foreign aid has become a familiar and even expected element in international relations. But scholars and government officials continue to debate why countries provide it: some claim that it is primarily a tool of diplomacy, some argue that it is largely intended to support development in poor countries, and still others point out its myriad newer uses. This book puts this dispute to rest by providing a comprehensive answer to the question of why governments give foreign aid. The author argues that because of domestic politics in aid-giving countries, it has always been—and will continue to be—used to achieve a mixture of different goals. Drawing on both comparative politics and international relations, and on her experience as a former public official, she provides five in-depth case studies—the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and Denmark—that demonstrate how domestic politics and international pressures combine to shape how and why donor governments give aid. In doing so, the author explores the impact on foreign aid of political institutions, interest groups, and the ways governments organize their giving.Less
A twentieth-century innovation, foreign aid has become a familiar and even expected element in international relations. But scholars and government officials continue to debate why countries provide it: some claim that it is primarily a tool of diplomacy, some argue that it is largely intended to support development in poor countries, and still others point out its myriad newer uses. This book puts this dispute to rest by providing a comprehensive answer to the question of why governments give foreign aid. The author argues that because of domestic politics in aid-giving countries, it has always been—and will continue to be—used to achieve a mixture of different goals. Drawing on both comparative politics and international relations, and on her experience as a former public official, she provides five in-depth case studies—the United States, Japan, France, Germany, and Denmark—that demonstrate how domestic politics and international pressures combine to shape how and why donor governments give aid. In doing so, the author explores the impact on foreign aid of political institutions, interest groups, and the ways governments organize their giving.
