Harmonisation & democratisation
Ownership with adjectives
By (03/06/2008)
This synthesis report is the final product of a FRIDE research project which aimed at understanding the impact of donor harmonisation on democratisation processes in recipient countries. It is based on four case studies (Mali, Nicaragua, Peru and Vietnam) and explores the political implications of the aid effectiveness agenda and particularly of the new aid modalities.
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Harmonisation & democratisation
The impact of aid policies on domestic democratisation processes: the case of Mali
By (28/04/2008)
Mali has all the characteristics that attract aid – high poverty rates, reasonable governance indicators and a difficult geographical environment. Whilst being formally democratic, not much success has been achieved in the alleviation of poverty and the construction of effective state institutions. Donors still set the agenda, but Malian actors gain influence in downstream implementation. This paper argues that, beyond technical adjustments, donors should analyse the political context of informal politics in Mali and take into account the strengthening of oversight mechanisms.
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Harmonisation & democratisation
Peru: the kingdom of the NGO?
By (12/02/2008)
Peru is not an aid-dependent country, but its historically high levels of government control over the political system and attempts to tailor foreign aid to presidential programmes have generated a particular understanding of the Paris Agenda. Government is at odds with Peruvian civil society, and while the government pushes to make political use of aid, NGOs refuse to link up with public policies or universal welfare systems. Aid agencies must try to adapt to this context to ensure both ownership and diversity.
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Harmonisation & democratisation
The Nicaragua challenge: upholding the Paris agenda in an agitated setting
By (31/01/2008)
As part of a FRIDE research project on the impact of donor harmonisation in the democratisation process of partner countries, this case study examines the efforts of donors to put the principles of the Paris Declaration into effect in Nicaragua and finds that the donor community needs to improve its understanding of the political-institutional context in which harmonisation takes place.
Photo by Robert Croma
Harmonisation & democratisation
Donor harmonisation and democratisation: are donors fit for politics?
By (07/12/2007)
On 23 November 2007, FRIDE staged a seminar in Madrid to debate the results of its research project, "Donor Harmonisation: Between Effectiveness and Democratisation". The main objective was to identify politically sensitive strategies that could be employed by donors in an increasingly complex political-institutional environment.
