What Can Aid Do?

Posted: 20 Aug 2009

See all articles by David Skarbek

David Skarbek

Brown University - Department of Political Science

Peter T. Leeson

George Mason University - Department of Economics; George Mason University - Mercatus Center

Multiple version iconThere are 2 versions of this paper

Date Written: August 18, 2009

Abstract

Foreign aid’s advocates claim aid has been successful. Aid’s critics claim aid has failed. We explain why both camps are correct. Aid can, and in a few cases has, increased a particular output by devoting more resources to its production. In this sense, aid has occasionally had limited success. However, aid can’t, and hasn’t, contributed to the solution of economic problems and therefore economic growth. In this much more important sense, aid has failed.

Suggested Citation

Skarbek, David and Leeson, Peter T., What Can Aid Do? (August 18, 2009). Cato Journal, 2009, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1457512

David Skarbek

Brown University - Department of Political Science ( email )

Box 1844
Providence, RI 02912
United States

Peter T. Leeson (Contact Author)

George Mason University - Department of Economics ( email )

4400 University Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
United States

HOME PAGE: http://www.peterleeson.com

George Mason University - Mercatus Center ( email )

3434 Washington Blvd., 4th Floor
Arlington, VA 22201
United States

HOME PAGE: http://ppe.mercatus.org/scholars/peter-leeson

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