Skip to main content

LUP Student Papers

LUND UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Biståndets paradox: En studie av internationella intentioner och effekter i Rwanda

Rubin, Isac LU and Lilliehöök, Jennifer LU (2025) STVK04 20242
Department of Political Science
Abstract
This study examines the dynamics of international aid to Rwanda, focusing on the strategies of Sweden, the USA, and China. Using Most Different Systems Design (MDSD), the analysis identifies differences and similarities in how these donors shape their aid policies. Sweden and the USA emphasize democracy, human rights, and institutional development, while China prioritizes economic investment and infrastructure projects without imposing political conditions. These contrasting approaches reflect the donors geopolitical interests and reveal a tension between promoting values and pursuing strategic objectives. While aid has supported Rwanda’s economic recovery and institutional strengthening, it also poses risks of dependency. The study finds... (More)
This study examines the dynamics of international aid to Rwanda, focusing on the strategies of Sweden, the USA, and China. Using Most Different Systems Design (MDSD), the analysis identifies differences and similarities in how these donors shape their aid policies. Sweden and the USA emphasize democracy, human rights, and institutional development, while China prioritizes economic investment and infrastructure projects without imposing political conditions. These contrasting approaches reflect the donors geopolitical interests and reveal a tension between promoting values and pursuing strategic objectives. While aid has supported Rwanda’s economic recovery and institutional strengthening, it also poses risks of dependency. The study finds that donor-driven agendas can undermine Rwanda’s ability to pursue self-reliance and locally tailored solutions. China’s no-strings-attached model risks reinforcing economic asymmetries, while Western aid may
unintentionally stifle local ownership through conditionalities. The findings underscore the importance of balancing short-term support with long-term
capacity building, transparency, and local engagement. Aid must transition from fostering dependency to empowering recipient nations. Future research should explore recipient countries perspectives on aid and the global power dynamics shaping these relationships. This study highlights the dual role of aid as both a tool for development and a potential instrument of influence, calling for reform in international aid policies. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Rubin, Isac LU and Lilliehöök, Jennifer LU
supervisor
organization
alternative title
En komparativ analys av bistånd från USA, Sverige och Kina till Rwanda efter folkmordet 1994
course
STVK04 20242
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Rwanda, bistånd, Kina, Sverige, USA, mjuk makt, beroenderelationer, folkmord
language
Swedish
id
9179148
date added to LUP
2025-03-04 12:54:51
date last changed
2025-03-04 12:54:51
@misc{9179148,
  abstract     = {{This study examines the dynamics of international aid to Rwanda, focusing on the strategies of Sweden, the USA, and China. Using Most Different Systems Design (MDSD), the analysis identifies differences and similarities in how these donors shape their aid policies. Sweden and the USA emphasize democracy, human rights, and institutional development, while China prioritizes economic investment and infrastructure projects without imposing political conditions. These contrasting approaches reflect the donors geopolitical interests and reveal a tension between promoting values and pursuing strategic objectives. While aid has supported Rwanda’s economic recovery and institutional strengthening, it also poses risks of dependency. The study finds that donor-driven agendas can undermine Rwanda’s ability to pursue self-reliance and locally tailored solutions. China’s no-strings-attached model risks reinforcing economic asymmetries, while Western aid may
unintentionally stifle local ownership through conditionalities. The findings underscore the importance of balancing short-term support with long-term
capacity building, transparency, and local engagement. Aid must transition from fostering dependency to empowering recipient nations. Future research should explore recipient countries perspectives on aid and the global power dynamics shaping these relationships. This study highlights the dual role of aid as both a tool for development and a potential instrument of influence, calling for reform in international aid policies.}},
  author       = {{Rubin, Isac and Lilliehöök, Jennifer}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Biståndets paradox: En studie av internationella intentioner och effekter i Rwanda}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}