For decades, foreign aid has been seen as an effective way for wealthy nations to lift poorer ones out of poverty, build industries, and create prosperity. Despite trillions spent since the 1960s, nearly 700 million people still live in extreme poverty, while progress in many regions has stagnated. Has foreign aid failed to achieve its goals, or have we misunderstood what it’s supposed to do?
The truth is far more complex. While aid has saved lives, it has also created dependency, distorted economies, and at times, even stifled growth. In this gallery, we look at how foreign aid works, why it often fails, and what its uncertain future could mean for the world’s most vulnerable population. Want to know more? Click and find out.