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Virtuous Circles and the Case for Aid

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  • Patrick Carter

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  • Jonathan Temple

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Abstract

It is sometimes argued that foreign aid leads to a virtuous circle in which growth becomes self-reinforcing. We study two versions of this argument, using a modified neoclassical growth model in which the effects of parameter changes and capital accumulation are amplified. Simulations are used to quantify the welfare benefits from aid transfers. We find that, contrary to expectations, amplification makes only a modest difference to the welfare benefits from aid. This is true even when aid allows a faster exit from a vicious circle or poverty trap.

Suggested Citation

  • Patrick Carter & Jonathan Temple, 2014. "Virtuous Circles and the Case for Aid," Bristol Economics Discussion Papers 14/636, Department of Economics, University of Bristol, UK, revised 12 Oct 2015.
    • Handle: RePEc:bri:uobdis:14/636
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    Cited by:

    1. Carter, Patrick & Postel-Vinay, Fabien & Temple, Jonathan, 2015. "Dynamic aid allocation," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 95(2), pages 291-304.
    2. Carter, Patrick, 2014. "Aid allocation rules," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 71(C), pages 132-151.
    3. Jonathan Temple & Huikang Ying & Patrick Carter, 2014. "Transfers and Transformations: Remittances, Foreign Aid, and Growth," Bristol Economics Discussion Papers 14/649, Department of Economics, University of Bristol, UK, revised 02 Dec 2014.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    Foreign aid; amplification effects; virtuous circles;

    JEL classification:

    • F35 - International Economics - - International Finance - - - Foreign Aid
    • O40 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - General

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