International aid to poor countries

International aid to poor countries

International aid to poor countries - advantages and disadvantages of doing this.

It is hard to say whether international aid to poor countries should be viewed positively or negatively. This decision would depend upon the circumstances of the country which needs aid and the strategic intent of the country providing International aid.

It is true that support to foreign governments has become more strategic in recent years.

After the United States spent billions of dollars in Africa to overcome the epidemics of AIDS and malaria, its China now who is trying to make friends and influence people in Africa as reported a couple of times. U.S definitely, had a moral intention in helping Africa but some experts also feel that it was also a part of United States public diplomacy policy. Also, United States economic aid to Afghanistan makes the nation more secure and ultimately protects U.S.milliary personnel. Hence, these very popular and talked about International aids are being accompanied by some or the other form of strategic intent.

According to me, the best kind of International aid is the one which seeks to bring economic growth in poor countries by strengthening their health care, education, and physical infrastructure.

It is true that mankind has been striving to create an ideal society, free of poverty and social challenges and some privileged nations have been taking great interests in extending aid to some countries in the third world. However, some economists feel that the kind of aid which is being given is not very helpful or effective. For examples, as Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said to George W. Bush in 2003, “I don’t want aid; I want trade. Aid cannot transform society.”

Hence, the foreign aid will be effective if it focuses more on the needs of the poor country rather than, what the privileged country wants to provide depending upon its strategic intent. For example, in times of a natural disaster, along with money, it’s the time and energy of people from the developed countries that will make all the difference.

Hence, it can be concluded that aid is important but “kind of aid” is what makes all the difference. For example, providing money may not serve the long term purpose of a poor nation but creating jobs surely will. Hence, the nature of aid should be beyond sheer monetary help and should be targeted at long term development of the poor nation.