How Insights from Moral Psychology and Character Research can aid Development Cooperation

Abstract or Introduction

This thesis explores the integration of insights from moral psychology and moral character research into Official Development Aid (ODA) allocation criteria, arguing for its potential to enhance the moral foundations of development cooperation and improve aid effectiveness. Despite the widespread acknowledgment of geopolitical interests and the evolution of aid modalities, the discussion on aid allocation has largely overlooked moral considerations. By assuming a shift towards non-political allocation mechanisms and a genuine interest in aid effectiveness among donor governments, the thesis aims to substantiate the proposition that incorporating moral psychology and character research can strengthen the ethical basis of development cooperation. Through theoretical and practical research, the subsequent chapters endeavor to provide support for this proposition. Official Development Aid (ODA) allocation of bi- and multilateral donors should take into account insights from research in moral psychology and moral character. It is argued that among the reasons for doing so are strengthened moral foundations of development cooperation and increased aid effectiveness. Reflections on this topic are relevant, given that the link between aid recipient's moral outlooks and aid allocation criteria has received practically no attention in theorizing development cooperation, while voices critical towards this field of work have, if anything, increased considerably in recent years.