The Dark Side of Development: Corruption, Poverty and the Economic Gangster October 21, 2008

Edward Miguel, Associate Professor of Economics and Director of the Center of Evaluations for Global Action, University of California, Berkeley

All too often foreign aid money falls into the wrong hands—corrupt government officials, rebel leaders and black marketeers steal well-intentioned funds to advance their own interests to the detriment of society. Such perpetrators are what Edward Miguel refers to as “economic gangsters” and they flourish where legal institutions are weak and people are most in need. Edward Miguel joins the Council to discuss his recommendations for a new system of emergency aid for countries suffering from corruption and poverty, and to trace the critical links between economic gangsters and such issues as climate change and civil war.

Check-in: 5:30 PM, Program: 6:00 PM
World Affairs Council Auditorium Council
Members: Free, Nonmembers: $15, Students: $5

Official Website: http://www.itsyourworld.org