Developing nations frequently adopt the policy mandates of highly developed countries, despite their own limited resources and the resulting disruption to their socio-economic systems. In reality, the factors influencing the strategy decisions of developing nations are often designed and manufactured by advanced economies. Resource constraints and technical limitations are the two primary factors that force developing countries into a state of reliance.
Through multilateral and bilateral donor agencies—officially termed “Development Partners”—advanced nations provide financial assistance intended for economic growth. However, these partners heavily influence the policy-making methods of recipient nations through conditional lending. This dynamic became even more pronounced in the post-1980s, post-communist global order. International financial institutions, most notably the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aggressively pushed a free-market agenda, pressuring developing countries to initiate market economies through strict structural adjustment reforms.
Consequently, over the last few decades, developing nations have shifted away from state-oriented development strategies to align with the advice of these global donors. Development Partners justify this intervention by arguing that aid is funded by taxpayers in advanced nations, who have a right to ensure funds are utilized properly. Yet, despite decades of continuous financial assistance, a vast majority of the population in recipient countries remains trapped in poverty.
