In this course we examine the modern origins and development of foreign aid. Specifically, we analyze foreign aid administered by Western Countries and transferred to developing countries, primarily in the Global South.
Starting with the Marshall Plan, and the American transfer of funds to Europe, Western countries, post WW2, developed mechanisms for public financial transfers (i.e. state or IGO to state or substate) initially to allied countries and soon thereafter to industrializing countries and poor countries. Under the guise of “aid”, this relationship has mostly been considered interest-based rather than philanthropic. The course is centered around five central questions on the topic of foreign aid: 1. Who gives foreign aid? 2. Why give foreign aid? 3. Who benefits from foreign aid? 4. Does foreign aid cause more harm than good? 5. If economic restorative justice is the objective of foreign aid, are there alternative policies that can better accomplish these goals?
In this context we examine the evolution of foreign aid in a post-WW2 global context: first, during the Cold War, and then during its aftermath. Central to our discussion, we consider the economic impact of globalization on developing countries; the root causes of poverty and ways to reduce it; and the nature of North-South relations and neocolonialism. We study issues animating foreign aid policy parameters and how these issues have changed. Our focus on themes such as trade, immigration, human/gender rights, and climate change, will illuminate the shifting nature of “aid.” Our focus is on the methods and motivation of Western countries – examining “soft power” and the role of foreign aid in overall foreign policy of countries that administer it. Finally, we'll examine the potential spread of aid as a tool for influence as it is adopted by new state actors (e.g. BRICS, China).
Ruth BEN ARTZI
Séminaire
English
No strict pre-requisites; Some prior knowlesge in theories of international relstions, development, and international
political economy can be helpful.
Spring 2024-2025
Partipation in class, literature review and oral presentation: 35%
Policy Paper: 20%
Case Study: 15%
Take-Home exam:30%