International Aid and the Making of a Better World

This book examines what happens when we try to improve people’s lives in far-away countries and warns how self-deception may construct obstacles to the very change desired. It considers the challenge to traditional aid practices posed by new donors like Brazil, China and India who speak of history, culture and relationships. This accessible critical history of aid provides practical tools and methodology for development practitioners, and students and researchers in development studies, anthropology and international studies to adopt the habit of reflexivity when helping to make a better world.