Books The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good by William Easterly

"The White Man's Burden: Why the West's Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good" by William Easterly is a critical examination of Western foreign aid policies and their unintended consequences. Easterly, an economist and former World Bank employee, argues that despite good intentions, much foreign aid has failed to reduce poverty sustainably and often propels negative outcomes. He highlights that aid frequently props up autocratic regimes rather than empowering poor people, inadvertently supporting oppressive governments.

Easterly criticizes the "technocratic illusion"—the misguided belief that poverty can be solved simply through technical solutions and funding, without respecting political and economic rights. He stresses that development efforts often ignore the importance of democracy, human rights, and self-determination. Aid agencies commonly prioritize stability and government cooperation over supporting the rights and freedoms of the poor, which can perpetuate corruption and oppression.