The Role of Foreign aid for the Democratization & Formation of Good Governance in Ethiopia
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Date
2006
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Ethiopia is one of the least developed nations in the world. The primary root causes of the
underdevelopment of this country are absence of peaceful transition of political power, good
governance and democracy. There is close relationship between economic development and
democracy. As many researches indicate presence of democracy in one country accelerate
economic development and tranquility of the state. The development hypothesis underlying
good governance that reduced conflict is essential to bring about economic growth and
address the challenges of vulnerabi lity to famine, hunger, and poverty.
Many scholars argue that "democracy may be created and mid-wifed by foreign powers"
However since donors have no representation in any country as a ci tizens to change policies
and stmggle for citizens empowerment what they can do is either to exert their influence
through financial donation or financing as well as sharing experience to nationals as well as
institutions of local origin that work for the democratization and fonnation of good
governance.
Foreign aid could playa paramount role for the development a country as it did in other
countries of Europe. Even thought foreign aid could play to foster economic growth as well
as democracy in most developing countries including Ethiopia. Nevertheless the aid provide
to Ethiopia couldn't bring the anticipated democracy and good governance. This seems as a
result of the donors' conviction that providing emergency aid, military aid and teclmical
assistance are their priority rather than disappointing the government by pledging the
question of good governance, and democratizations mmmage in return for their aid. Besides
the amount of aid exerted fro the democratization is scanty. Donors' prime objective is
gratifying their national interest in the region than to democratize Ethiopia. Besides all
regimes in the country were not willing to accept any conditionality that contradict with
interest. It is hardily possible to use aid as a means to bring democracy and good governance
with out political will of people in power. Democracy and good government can be
cultivated merely by the political will of government in power or after fundamental grounds
such as pluralistic culture, economically independent society, and culture of peaceful
transition of power facilitate in a country.
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