Less Pretension, More Ambition: Development Policy in Times of Globalization (WRR)

Development aid has become the subject of much discussion. Why do we give aid, and does it help? What do we know about the development paths being taken by various countries, or the possibilities of helping them to achieve their goals from outside? How relevant is development aid now that remittances and foreign direct investments have increased as a result of globalization? When does aid have more negative than positive effects? What is the significance of shifting power relations in the world? And do policies focusing on issues like climate, migration, financial stability, knowledge, trade and security not have a greater impact than aid on the development opportunities of poor countries? These questions inspired the Dutch Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR) to examine what form development aid should take in the era of globalization.

Peter van Lieshout is a member of the Scientific Council for Government Policy (WRR); Robert Went and Monique Kremer are senior research fellows at the WRR. Robert Went, Monique Kremer.