Enlarged international edition of Less pretension, more ambition
Earlier this year, WRR published the report 'Less pretension, more ambition. Development aid that makes a difference' (Minder pretentie, meer ambitie. Ontwikkelingshulp die verschil maakt).
Based on almost 500 field interviews and an extensive literature review, WRR made a number of recommendations for major changes in the organisation of development aid. The coalition agreement of the new government led by Prime Minister Rutte described the report as an essential guide in the overhaul of the development aid policy.
The Broker
Based on this report, the book Less Pretension, More Ambition. Development Policy in the Age of Globalization has recently been published. The book draws extensively on the many reactions to the report, including in the online debate organised by The Broker. The text has also been adapted for an international readership.
Core questions
The core questions for development aid are once again the central theme. Why do we actually give development aid, and does it actually help? What do we know about the development programmes of countries and about the ability of outsiders to contribute to them? How relevant is aid today for developing countries, now that financial flows such as remittances and foreign direct investment (FDI) have increased as a result of globalisation? And does policy focusing on themes such as climate, migration, financial stability, knowledge, trade and security still actually influence the development opportunities of poor countries?
The book was written by WRR member Peter van Lieshout and WRR staff members Robert Went and Monique Kremer.