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Is Altruism in Nordic Foreign Aid Dead?

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  • Salma Mahamed

Abstract

Historically, the Nordic countries have been renowned for their generous and altruistic foreign aid policies. Since the 2010s, significant transformations in aid budgets, policy instruments and policy objectives have taken place. This paper analyses one of the Nordic countries, Denmark, and tests whether substantive shifts in aid allocation are evident. Drawing on panel data from 2000–2019, including 168 recipient countries, a Tobit regression analysis is applied. The findings indicate that commercial considerations have grown more prominent as business interests have influenced aid allocations significantly after 2010, in addition to an increased focus on fragile regions, reflecting concerns linked to strategic self‐interest. At the same time, Danish aid consistently prioritizes low‐income countries. The findings resonate with current developments among other donors, indicating a broader tendency and the emergence of a business‐oriented logic in development assistance.

Suggested Citation

  • Salma Mahamed, 2026. "Is Altruism in Nordic Foreign Aid Dead?," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(1), pages 159-173, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:38:y:2026:i:1:p:159-173
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.70039
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