Rethinking Aid in a Contested World

An analysis of the challenges facing foreign aid and reforms that could make aid relevant again.

By The Kiel Institute

This briefing summarises a new paper, “Rethinking Aid in a Contested World,” by Prof. Stefan Dercon. He argues that international aid must be rethought; in today’s contested, multipolar global order, its survival and effectiveness depend on creating true alignment between donor and recipient interests.

The paper is part of a project  led by the Kiel Institute and Global Nation to examine and build the evidence base for mutual interest ODA – aid that genuinely serves recipients’ developmental goals and, in doing so, also benefits donor countries.