UK aid could support building more equal and respectful relationships with governments and communities, according to new research from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Holloway, University of London.
The research, led by the University of Portsmouth, comes at a time when the role of international aid is under the spotlight after reports that President Trump is threatening to close down the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision will compromise essential services for hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Meanwhile, in the UK, the introduction of a new government has presented an opportunity to create a more inclusive and impactful development agenda.
UK aid, officially known as Official Development Assistance (ODA), is meant to help improve living conditions and boost economies in developing nations. However, recent challenges - including a lack of clear direction, have raised concerns about its impact.
To combat this, researchers from the University of Portsmouth and Royal Holloway, University of London, have put forward a new five-dimension framework to create more respectful and equal partnerships with governments and communities in the global South.
This plan encourages the UK government to prioritise aid efforts that have a proven, long-term impact. The researchers argue that the current model relies too much on profit-driven private sector investments, which don't always benefit the people who need help the most.
It follows a study, published in International Affairs , which emphasises that reshaping the UK's approach to international development could result in a more positive relationship with countries in the global South - including in Africa, Asia and Latin America. The paper calls on the Government to rethink and reshape development policies to align with principles of equity, solidarity and justice and take seriously the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals .
The research identifies major limitations of UK aid policy, including its reliance on neoliberal frameworks and its politicisation for domestic gain. With inequality, climate disasters, and conflict on the rise, the UK can no longer afford to treat aid as a tool for advancing narrow national interests.
Dr Melita Lazell, Associate Professor in Political Economy & Development
Lead author, Dr Melita Lazell , from the University of Portsmouth's School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature, said: "The research identifies major limitations of UK aid policy, including its reliance on neoliberal frameworks and its politicisation for domestic gain. With inequality, climate disasters, and conflict on the rise, the UK can no longer afford to treat aid as a tool for advancing narrow national interests."
Key recommendations:
- Recognise the limits of development assistance
- Pause the use of private sector instruments in development finance
- Focus on areas with greater potential for positive impact
- Incorporate peer-to-peer learning
- Ensure policy coherence for development
One major concern is the role of British International Investment (BII) , the UK's development finance institution. While BII helps companies invest in developing nations, critics say its focus on profit limits the real impact on communities.
The five-part framework calls for a pause and review of the use of private-sector instruments for channelling aid, because the aim is focused on profitability and not long-term sustainability.
"The recommendations provided within the paper aim to build more respectful and equal partnerships with governments and communities in the global South, enhancing support for vulnerable populations and reducing poverty", explained Dr Lazell.
"This is a call for action to rethink and reshape development policies to align with principles of equity, solidarity, and justice."
Dr Ivica Petrikova , Reader in International Relations and Development at the Royal Holloway, University of London, added: "With a new Labour government in power, this could be the perfect time for the UK to rethink its approach and ensure aid is truly making a difference where it's needed most."
