Gates, Google, and the Ending of Global Poverty: Philanthrocapitalism and International Development
Edwards, Michael
The Brown Journal of World Affairs, Spring/Summer 2009, v15, #2, pp35-42
"'Philanthrocapitalism' - the use of business and the market to transform philanthropy and foreign aid - is a recent and much-contested entry into the international development dictionary. To some, it is another 'naked emperor' more hype than substance and at best a complement to other, more traditional form of assistance that can be useful in certain limited contexts. To others, it is a potentially transformative movement that will unlock new sources of money, energy and innovation in the fight against poverty, hunger, and disease - a movement that will literally save the world. The truth, as in most things, probably lies somewhere in between, since philanthrocapitalism may not be as different as its proponents often claim. That is because there are no magic bullets for international development or global security—only a neverending effort to find better ways forward through diverse and unpredictable journeys. Nevertheless, the debate about philanthrocapitalism provides a fresh perspective on the future of foreign aid and raises the question: does this movement really exist, and if so, what exactly is it?"
Michael Edward is a senior visiting scholar at the Wagner School of Public Service, New York University.
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H3/04-09 posted July 17, 2009
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