The Nationalisation of UK Aid and Development

Dr. Lazell and Dr. Petrikova’s excellent new book fills a gap in the market by providing a comprehensive overview of UK aid policy since the 1990s. It offers a novel framework of ‘nationalisation’ of aid to understand UK aid, linking domestic politics with foreign policy priorities. The rich case studies of the impact of UK aid on the ground in Kenya, Nepal, and Nigeria are real strengths of the book and showcase the framework brilliantly. This is an important work for academics and policy makers alike and will shape future research agendas. — Simon Lightfoot, Professor of Politics, University of Leeds, UK Since the creation of the Department for International Development, the purpose of UK development policy and aid has changed significantly. This book provides a comprehensive evaluation of these changes, their causes, and their implications. It argues that UK development aid as an act of solidarity, economic justice, or redistribution, which has always been undermined by donor interest and colonialism, has been abolished. The authors present a new framework for understanding the UK’s current approach to development policy and aid, the ‘nationalisation’ of aid, which prioritises narrow domestic commercial and political interests at the expense of sustainable development and the UK’s international reputation. Based on new quantitative and qualitative data, this book offers a nuanced and comprehensive exploration of the UK’s approach to aid and development, contributing to broader discussions on the evolving nature of development assistance and its implications. With a combination of rigorous research methods and insightful analysis, it not only advances scholarly understanding within the fields of Politics, International Relations, Development Studies, and International Political Economy, but also provides practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to navigate the complexities of contemporary development assistance. Melita Lazell is Associate Professor in Political Economy and Development, and Associate Head of the School (Research) for Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, University of Portsmouth, UK. Ivica Petrikova is Senior Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at Royal Holloway University of London, UK and co-director of the Global Politics and Development Centre.