Status Updates From The Aid Trap: Hard Truths A...

My biggest issue with this book is that, while a large step in the right direction towards respecting individual autonomy and self-determination, it’s still a prescription for how to make “them” more like “us”

I do not appreciate the large, sweeping, reductionist claims the authors tend to make throughout the book. Of course we know that economic poverty is endemic throughout the world, but making observational claims about WHY it is so, and offering hypothetical situations as evidence - for example: “looking at border guards in action” (p 72.) - without offering citation is wholly irresponsible.

Really great so far and the authors make very convincing arguments about how do-gooders like to write checks that just make problems worse for Africans. Just got done reading Winter 2017 "Journal of Democracy" which describes the corruption related to the "thief-in-chief" governments in several African countries. "The Aid Trap" is great because it gives a big picture view. Can't wait to read Chapter three.

Been waiting to read this since 2009 and now I am going to finally do it! Will probably also re-read "Healthy, Wealthy and Wise" and then turn to "Balance" soon after I am caught up with my challenge.