The Politics and Economics of Britain's Foreign Aid

The Pergau Dam Affair

Business & Finance, Economics, Sustainable Development, Economic Development
Cover of the book The Politics and Economics of Britain's Foreign Aid by Tim Lankester, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Tim Lankester ISBN: 9781136271229
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: June 7, 2013
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Tim Lankester
ISBN: 9781136271229
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: June 7, 2013
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Pergau dam in Malaysia was the most controversial project in the history of British aid. Because of its high cost, it was a poor candidate for aid funding. It was provided in part to honour a highly irregular promise of civil aid in connection with a major arms deal. After two parliamentary inquiries and intense media coverage, in a landmark judgement the aid for Pergau was declared unlawful.

Tim Lankester offers a detailed case study of this major aid project and of government decision-making in Britain and Malaysia. Exposing the roles played by key politicians and other stakeholders on both sides, he analyses the background to the aid/arms linkage, and the reasons why the British and Malaysian governments were so committed to the project, before exploring the response of Britain’s Parliament, and its media and NGOs, and the resultant legal case. The main causes of the Pergau debacle are carefully drawn out, from conflicting policy agendas within the British government to the power of the business lobby and the inability of Parliament to provide any serious challenge. Finally, Lankester asks whether, given what was known at the time and what we know now, he and his colleagues in Britain’s aid ministry were correct in their objections to the project.

Pergau is still talked about as a prime example of how not to do aid. Tim Lankester, a key figure in the affair, is perfectly placed to provide the definitive account. At a time when aid budgets are under particular scrutiny, it provides a cautionary tale.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Pergau dam in Malaysia was the most controversial project in the history of British aid. Because of its high cost, it was a poor candidate for aid funding. It was provided in part to honour a highly irregular promise of civil aid in connection with a major arms deal. After two parliamentary inquiries and intense media coverage, in a landmark judgement the aid for Pergau was declared unlawful.

Tim Lankester offers a detailed case study of this major aid project and of government decision-making in Britain and Malaysia. Exposing the roles played by key politicians and other stakeholders on both sides, he analyses the background to the aid/arms linkage, and the reasons why the British and Malaysian governments were so committed to the project, before exploring the response of Britain’s Parliament, and its media and NGOs, and the resultant legal case. The main causes of the Pergau debacle are carefully drawn out, from conflicting policy agendas within the British government to the power of the business lobby and the inability of Parliament to provide any serious challenge. Finally, Lankester asks whether, given what was known at the time and what we know now, he and his colleagues in Britain’s aid ministry were correct in their objections to the project.

Pergau is still talked about as a prime example of how not to do aid. Tim Lankester, a key figure in the affair, is perfectly placed to provide the definitive account. At a time when aid budgets are under particular scrutiny, it provides a cautionary tale.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book First Steps In Egyptian by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book The Historical Literature of the Jack Cade Rebellion by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book China's Long March to Freedom by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Conspiracy Theories by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Shakespeare in Hate (Open Access) by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Governing Europe by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Untying the Knot by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book A Formal Approach to Discourse Anaphora by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Advocacy and Empowerment by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Dictionary of Psychology by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Effective Writing in the Public Sector by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Curriculum Making in Post-16 Education by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book Literacy and Globalization by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book The Nature of Scientific Theory by Tim Lankester
Cover of the book 9/11 as a Collective Trauma by Tim Lankester
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy