Aiding the Virtuous Circle? International Development Assistance and Citizen Confidence in Government in Bangladesh

Matthew S. Winters, Simone Dietrich, Minhaj Mahmud

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

In areas of limited statehood, foreign development assistance often finances public goods and services. Do citizens attribute the presence of this development assistance to their government and thereby generalize about the legitimacy of their own government because of it? In an informational experiment embedded in a nationwide survey in Bangladesh, we find evidence in line with the argument that the presence of foreign aid signals government competence. The informational treatment effects are particularly large among the majority of respondents who perceive high levels of corruption in their country.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)468-483
Number of pages16
JournalJournal of Intervention and Statebuilding
Volume12
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2 2018

Keywords

  • Bangladesh
  • Foreign aid
  • attribution
  • information experiment
  • legitimacy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Political Science and International Relations
  • Law

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