Dead Aid: the debates
Dambisa Moyo’s book Dead Aid has created a bit of a stir. Whether entirely merited by the cogency of her arguments or not, the book has at least prompted a healthy and at times heated debate. ONE have their views (plus ONE’s Jamie Drummond), whilst Aid Watch have theirs. And the NYT has an interview with the author at the heart of it. For some more indirect follow-up, see Aid Watch for Bill Easterly versus Aid and the ensuing Owen Barder back and forth with Bill Easterly.
If you’ve not yet had chance to read the book, might I recommend a thoughtful (albeit critical) review from David Roodman at the Centre for Global Development. And a metareview of the book (that reflects the less decisive consensus around the book).
Update 1: ONE have now directly responded to Aid Watch’s attack and also highlight their 7 page point-counterpoint to Dead Aid.
Update 2: Duncan Green, Head of Research for Oxfam, has an update on the Dambisa Moyo phenomenon, toward which he has rather mixed feelings.
Duncan Green Says:
June 2nd, 2009 at 11:49 am
Can I add my own review/commentary to your list? I think the really interesting question is why the interest has been so phenomenal, given that the book is so mediocre, even compared to some of the other critiques of the aid industry.
Is ODA still needed and wanted in the 21st century? « NO BADGE Says:
July 18th, 2009 at 5:04 pm
[...] to start at a post at Aid Watch. The recent contribution of Dambisa Moyo, Dead Aid, has caused some debate and pleased some African leaders. Her book applies only to Africa, but as one can tell from the [...]