35 pages • 1 hour read
The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good
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Book Brief
448
Book • Nonfiction
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The White Man’s Burden, William Easterly critiques international development and foreign aid, exploring the failures of Western intervention and the impacts of colonialism and imperialism. He contrasts top-down Planners with bottom-up Searchers, highlighting successes achieved through localized, accountable efforts. Despite vast aid expenditures, global issues persist, and Easterly champions systematic evaluation and feedback mechanisms for meaningful development.
Informative
Challenging
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
5,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
William Easterly's The White Man’s Burden is praised for its incisive critique of Western aid policies, emphasizing local empowerment over top-down interventions. Critics commend its data-driven approach but note its occasional repetition and overly polemic tone. The book’s compelling arguments spark important conversations about global development strategies.
Who Should Read The White Man’s Burden?
Readers who would enjoy The White Man’s Burden by William Easterly are keen on development economics, global poverty, and foreign aid critiques. Ideal for those who appreciated The End of Poverty by Jeffrey Sachs or Dead Aid by Dambisa Moyo, this book delves into the inefficacies of Western intervention in developing countries.
5,936 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
448
Book • Nonfiction
2006
Adult
18+ years
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