The US no longer dominates the contribution stage
KARACHI: In the context of the international political economy, foreign aid plays a key role in upholding neo-liberal policies. Apart from spurring a grave humanitarian crisis, even worse than the World War II, the pandemic has also paved the way for massive appeal for foreign aid worldwide.
International political experts claim that since wealthy states fight to put a lid on rising economic and social turmoil within their borders, they will be hesitant in thinking about contributing to the foreign aid pool. As a result, the virus will ultimately take charge of the vulnerable states because of their deplorable economic conditions. Nonetheless, many wealthy states have responded to the UN emergency relief plan and strategy with zeal. Up till now, the UN has managed to gather half of the $675 million allocated for the relief plan. Through such contributions, the UN aims to provide medical testing assistance and sterilised clothing to the affected countries. The US no longer dominates the contribution stage as its $30 million aid is overtaken by Kuwait’s $60 million and Japan’s $45 million contributions.
China, too, is utilising this opportunity to build its soft image by offering its unwavering support to the hard-hit countries in Europe and Africa while Russia has extended a helping hand to the US, Italy, and Serbia by sending a plane full of PPEs. It is delightful to witness the implementation of such initiatives during these testing times.
Hadia Mukhtar
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2020.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
