The Samaritan's Dilemma: The Political Economy of Development Aid

Clearly written, interesting description of real world issues involving how to best deliver aid to developing nations... and, most rarely of all: suggestions on how to improve aid delivery. Usually authors do the easy work---criticizing and pointing out poor outcomes. Although it is important to study poor outcomes it always seems to me this is the easy half of the analysis. Suggestions for improvements are rarely included in such analyses, but they are included here which makes this such a unique, helpful resource. Based on data/research from the real world yet analyzed by academics who obviously do not stay in ivory towers. The authors identify poor outcomes as a means to an end---the end being alternative actions to avoid poor outcomes. A valuable resource---insight and application. Superb! Wish there were more authors who viewed their role as informed advisors rather than op-ed writers, decrying poor outcomes, yet offering no positive interventions/alternatives.