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The rhetorical power of aid for trade: UK aid in the age of Brexit and Covid-19

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  • Melvin, Jennifer

Abstract

The UK is a global leader in Aid for Trade (AFT). Aid for Trade discourse frames it as a solution to development challenges and key to building trade relationships. This article examines the rhetorical value of this framing in pursuit of myriad interests amidst Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and changes to the UK’s aid budget and administration. It is informed by data from government documents and interviews with AFT and aid experts. This study finds that AFT discourse is used to justify the UK’s merging of diplomatic and development agendas and its new ‘Global Britain’ identity. Le Royaume-Uni est un chef de file en Aide pour le Commerce (APC). En effet, l'Aide pour le Commerce est reconnue comme un outil indispensable au développement international et comme une élement clé lors de l'établissement de relations commerciales. Cet article examine la valeur rhétorique de cette représentation dans la foulée de la présente redéfinition du rôle Britanique dans le cadre du Brexit, de la Pandémie de Covid-19 et des récents ajustements budgétaires apportés à l’aide internationale. Il s'appuie sur des données provenant tant de documents gouvernementaux, que d’entretiens avec des experts de l'APC et d’aide internationale britannique. Cette étude révèle que le discours de l'APC est utilisé pour justifier la fusion des programmes diplomatiques et d’aide internationale menant à la révision du rôle britannique mondial en sa nouvelle identité de « Grande-Bretagne mondiale ».

Suggested Citation

  • Melvin, Jennifer, 2024. "The rhetorical power of aid for trade: UK aid in the age of Brexit and Covid-19," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 118559, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    • Handle: RePEc:ehl:lserod:118559
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    File URL: https://researchonline.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/118559/
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alesina, Alberto & Dollar, David, 2000. "Who Gives Foreign Aid to Whom and Why?," Journal of Economic Growth, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 33-63, March.
    2. Myriam Dahman Saidi & Christina Wolf, 2011. "Recalibrating Development Co-operation: How Can African Countries Benefit from Emerging Partners?," OECD Development Centre Working Papers 302, OECD Publishing.
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    JEL classification:

    • L81 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Retail and Wholesale Trade; e-Commerce

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