From Relief to Development

Bradley's Blueprint for Prosperity

In the past, governments and international organizations used aid dollars as a panacea for a myriad of problems in the third-world. By treating relief and development efforts essentially the same, well-intentioned governments often caused more harm than good. While relief efforts are necessary to alleviate current suffering as a result of war, hunger and disease, the overextension of aid dollars can drown out emerging markets.

Development, on the other hand, is about societal and economic transformation through bottom-up entrepreneurial efforts. Making this distinction is critical for cultivating long-term economic growth.

In 2010, Sagamore Institute created the Bradley Project on Africa though the generous support of the Bradley Foundation. Drawing on the foremost figures in development economics, this project provided a blueprint for prosperity in Africa.

Now, as the leading African free-market think tank, ISOKO Institute picks up Bradley’s torch to break down old models of foreign aid and re-establish a new paradigm. Below is a resource comprised of articles, videos, and books to help curious minds navigate the shifting foreign aid conversation.

The White Man’s Burden

William Easterly’s book calls for a reassessment of the West’s approach to aid.
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Dambisa Moyo’s Dead Aid
African author Dambisa Moyo argues that aid to Africa is doing more harm than help.
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The Bottom Billion
Why the poorest countries are failing and what can be done about it
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On Aid Versus Trade
Video: Former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala summarizes the aid versus trade debate.
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‘Tis the Season to Be Giving?
Video: Peter Singer and William Easterly debate approaches to aid.
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Glen Hubbard’s The Aid Trap
Hubbard offers perspective on giving.
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Ted Talks on Investing in Africa
Videos: Ted Talk fellows highlight opportunities and the advantages of investment
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