Routledge Human Rights and Foreign Aid: For Love or Money? 2

Explore the complex connection between international development and human rights in this Routledge Research in Human Rights volume. Bethany Barratt examines how foreign development assistance aims to alleviate poverty and meet basic human needs, which many view as fundamental human rights. This book investigates the tension between humanitarian goals and donor interests. While aid is intended to support vulnerable populations, it is often used as a tool to further the specific agendas of donor nations. This research suggests that when development is treated as a means to an end rather than a primary goal, it can lead to the neglect or even the worsening of human rights in recipient countries. Through a systematic examination of internal documentation regarding aid rationale, Barratt analyzes the approaches of three major donor countries, including Britain. This work provides a deep look into how aid policy is shaped and the real-world impact these decisions have on the rights of people living abroad. It is an essential read for students and professionals interested in economic policy, international development, and human rights advocacy.