Anyone in #InternationalDevelopment who still thinks that things could more or less continue as they have in previous decades, but with improved communication to maintain government funding, should listen to Douglas Alexander. He served as International Development Secretary from 2007 to 2010, and is now the UK’s Trade Minister:

Alexander said he had long believed it was “morally right” and “strategically smart” to invest in international aid but added: “I think we have lost the argument at various points.”

“We have an interest in building a stable, more equal, more safe world for our future generations,” he said. “But public consent has been withdrawn. And truthfully on aid, it’s not just fiscally challenged, it’s culturally challenged as well. Even if the money weren’t tight, the argument would have to be made.”

The whole concept needs to be rethought from the ground up, with a focus on reconnecting with the people on both sides of the system: those in the countries that should benefit from it, as well as those providing the funding. #FutureOfCooperation

Article from BBC: We’ve lost the argument on aid, says minister

Full interview (30 min) from the “Political Thinking with Nick Robinson” podcast