The Rise of Asian Aid Donors: Recipient-to-Donor Transition and Implications for International Aid Regime. (January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dole, David; Lewis-Workman, Steven; Trinidad, Dennis D.; Yao, Xianbin
• Is Part Of: Global journal of emerging market economies. Volume 13:Number 1(2021)
• Page Start: 58
• Page End: 80
• Publication Date: 2021-01
• Subjects: Asian donors -- development finance -- foreign aid -- East Asia; Investments, Foreign -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 330.9172405
• DOI: 10.1177/0974910121989462
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0974-9101

Abstract

The aims of this article are twofold. First, from a historical perspective, it examines the recipient-to-donor transition of five Asian aid donors, namely Japan, Korea, China, India, and Thailand. Specifically, it examines the evolution of their foreign aid programs and practices. Second, it analyzes the effects of Asian aid donors on the international aid regime. We argue that the mix of economic and security goals, which motivated Asian donors to develop their initial economic cooperation programs, have persisted over time. This explains why Asian aid donors have allotted a disproportionate share of their assistance to neighboring countries and their use of foreign aid as a key tool of their commercial and diplomatic policies. Moreover, we contend that the rise and experience of Asian aid donors have created a new dynamic to donor–recipient partnerships and development cooperation like new approaches and modalities. Key findings of this study add to the growing literature on emerging donors and aid effectiveness debate.