The invisible hand(out) : aid, trade, and unequal globalization

"The Invisible Hand(out): Aid, Access, and Unequal Globalization explores the intricate dynamics between foreign aid, market access, and export-led growth in the era of globalization. The book argues that while domestic institutions matter for development, they alone cannot explain the disparities in growth across developing countries. Instead, the interplay of aid and market access, shaped by both international and domestic political considerations, is critical. Through a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative case studies spanning South-East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Pacific, the book demonstrates how trade-effective aid and meaningful access to global markets determine economic outcomes. Highlighting successes and failures, it underscores that neither aid nor access alone suffices for growth; both must work synergistically. Ultimately, the book contends that global inequality is not merely a result of domestic factors but also of purposive decisions by developed countries, shaping a fragmented and unequal global economy."