Political Economy and the Aid Industry in Asia

Abstract

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International development aid and the politics of scale

“…Unfortunately for donors, their preferred ideologically compatible allies are unlikely to be sufficiently powerful in recipient states and societies. Hence, meaningful change will almost invariably require engagement with groups and individuals that they are hesitant to engage (Hutchison et al 2014).…”

“…A political economy reading of the Unit P2K shows, however, that its success was heavily dependent on local political contestations. case study shows the importance of short-lived, tactical alliances to pursue gradual reforms (Hutchison et al 2014). Both the supposedly progressive Irwandi and the conservative Zaini supported the Unit not so much on good governance grounds, but because it allowed the governor to assert authority over other government units.…”

“…Regarding the latter, scholars recommend that donors establish 'tactical alliances' with powerful interests in target societies to advance limited goals where a convergence of interest is possible. Whereas donors prefer to support ideologically compatible allies, these are often weak in recipient societies and therefore unlikely to help attain desired results (Hutchison et al 2014).…”

The permanent crisis of development aid

“…The technocratic orientation of the epistemic community of development professionals has limited its reflexive potential. The focus on short-term solutions (expressed in the learning about crisis) seems to stand in the way of more fundamental reflection, which would be the prerequisite to systemic learning 2 Parts of this section draw on Hutchison et al (2014: chapter 3).…”

Do the Chinese Bring Chitukuko? Rural Malawian Understandings of Chinese Development

“…Criticisms of China's involvement in Angola increased after a Chinese company received a contract that was previously held by Totale, necessarily demonstrating French engagement with the nation (Corkin, ). Further, DAC nations assist western private enterprises through requirements like Political Economy Analysis, which utilise development consultants (Hutchison, Hout, Hughes, & Robison, ). Literature critical of the Chinese often relies on insights from those who benefit from development's status quo (including NGO workers and western diplomats) (Lonnqvist, , Mawdsley, b & De Bruyn, ).…”