For many of us, it doesn’t cost much to improve someone’s life, and we can do much more of it
ourworldindata.org
Most countries spend less than 1% of their national income on foreign aid; even small increases could make a big difference.

As I said earlier, pressuring governments in rich countries to increase foreign aid — or voting for political parties that would — is just one way that I can help move money from the top to the bottom of the global income distribution.

I also donate some of my money directly to the most effective causes. Several years ago, I took the Giving What We Can pledge, committing to give at least 10% of my income to charity. I specifically focus on programs working in some of the lowest-income countries and on causes where small amounts of money can do a lot. The charity evaluator GiveWell is a good resource to find some of the most cost-effective causes to support.

This point on cost-effectiveness is particularly important to me in terms of personal donations, but it also matters when it comes to foreign aid. At the beginning of this article, I highlighted a number of successful aid programs: efforts to eradicate polio, reduce deaths from HIV and malaria, and provide food supplies during famine. It would be great if all aid money were as well-spent as this, but that’s not the reality. Some foreign aid is spent on programs and activities that make little difference. More than half of Brits think that aid is a complete waste due to corruption, and it’s these examples that can often make people sceptical that their dollars are being put to good use.

While I advocate for an increase in the foreign aid budget (and personal donations) overall, I’d also like to see a renewed focus on making sure that we’re spending this money in the best possible way. This would not only improve the outcomes for people who need this support but could also increase support for higher foreign aid budgets in rich countries.

When aid programs work well, they can transform the lives of millions. These programs are not designed to last forever; they’re there to support lower-income countries and kickstart self-fulfilling progress. Unfortunately, these stories of progress are not well-known. If we want to see a resurgence in support for foreign aid, we need to talk about them much more.

  • My_IFAKs___gone@lemmy.worldEnglish
    45·
    7 hours ago

    Curious to hear your thoughts about Chapter 7 of The Dictator’s Handbook by Bueno de Mesquita and Smith.

      • MintyFresh@lemmy.worldEnglish
        61·
        4 hours ago

        Basically that foreign aid often props up and legitimizes shit head dictators. Here’s a summary..

        Edit: I just realized that was a paywall, sry. But they’re right in that pdf’s are easily found. It’s an interesting read, definitely recommend reading even if I don’t think it’s the most useful brush with which to paint

        • My_IFAKs___gone@lemmy.worldEnglish
          6·
          4 hours ago

          Thanks, yes, that’s the 3 second summary. Lots of foreign aid never does anything for the intended recipients and can actually prolong their suffering and deprive them of meaningful work while keeping the POS small coalition ruling class in power. It basically provides a free pass for the shitheads to keep them in power and is a way to buy loyalty to policies beneficial for the lending nation, but not for the recipient nation.

      • My_IFAKs___gone@lemmy.worldEnglish
        47·
        4 hours ago

        Not really. It’s easy enough to find at the library, Libby, or PDF via Google search. Probably even archive.org has it. My question was intended for the author, anyway. I still recommend everyone find and read that book, though.

        Edit: sorry for being snippy. I haven’t eaten in 42 hours and I was about to be sedated for a medical procedure and my blood sugar is low and the book itself is really worth a read and I was worried I wouldn’t do it justice with a brief rushed summary.