The Ethics of Trade and Aid: Development, Charity or Waste?

Description

International development is now more topical than ever. Billions of dollars have been given in grants or spent on the infrastructure of the development industry. The global aid and trade industry is gigantic and high-profile. It is also hugely controversial. Trade deals are accused of being 'unfair'. Aid agencies are suspected of wasting funds, or engaging with corrupt regimes, or encouraging dependency. Despite the vast amounts of political capital spent on international development, it remains unclear what works and what doesn't. Global inequality remains stark. Economic analysis can help resolve some of these issues. But some of the questions raised are of a more fundamental nature. They are issues of fairness, equity, right and wrong. The Ethics of Trade and Aid demonstrates how political philosophy provides us with insights often passed over in modern development jargon. Christopher Wraight scrutinises the trade and aid industry through the lens of philosophy and ultimately shows that a compassionate, rational and humane engagement with the global economy does hold the promise of a better, more equal life.

Christopher D. Wraight has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Birmingham, UK. He currently teaches with the Royal Institute of Philosophy.

The present reviewer considers Wraight's work as a very good introduction to the theme... Anyone who is interested in the topic, but has no idea where to start when faced with a literature that is as complex as the theme itself, will find a good and helpful guide in this book. -- Ethical Perspectives Vol. 18 This is a very well-written book, which will be helpful for anybody interested in the philosophy and economics of foreign aid and trade.....All in all, the author has a good grasp of the wide range of disciplines necessary to analyze this topic from so many angles. -- Philip Booth, Institute of Economic Affairs and Cass Business School * Journal of Markets & Morality *