35 pages • 1 hour read
The White Man’s Burden: Why the West’s Efforts to Aid the Rest Have Done So Much Ill and So Little Good
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
As a top development economist and a former employee of the World Bank, how does William Easterly’s own background lend credibility to and/or invite criticism of the narrative he presents in the White Man’s Burden?
In the arena of international development, Easterly describes the two types of forces that are working within aid—the Planners versus the Searchers. Outline the differences between them and explain with examples the approach that Easterly describes as the most effective.
Referencing Chapter 8, “From Colonialism to Postmodern Imperialism,” explain if there were any advantages or disadvantages of colonialization from an economic and historical standpoint for either the colonizers or the colonized. Provide supporting examples.
What conclusions can one draw from the International Monetary Fund’s involvement in poverty-stricken countries?
In Chapter 3, “You Can’t Plan a Market,” Easterly writes that “homegrown reform in China did much better than did outsider’s fantasies of shock therapy in Russia” (108). Citing evidence, compare the situations to illustrate his reasoning.
According to Easterly, how has war, military intervention, and invasion been an accomplice in the West’s crusade to promote development? Examine their consequences with relevant examples.
How do non-settlement colonies (or countries not directly controlled by the Europeans) and non-colonies compare to colonized countries in regard to present economic performance? Provide your reasoning.
Using Chapter 11, “The Future of Western Assistance,” explain what incentives should be given to ensure that aid agencies conduct proper monitoring, scientific evaluations, and on-the-ground learning in their respective projects.
Unlike private markets that foster innovation, why do “aid agencies seem to be stuck in a similar lame cycle of repeating themselves” (199), and how has this influenced the current state of aid?
Throughout White Man’s Burden, Easterly often ends his chapters with relevant anecdotes and success stories called “Snapshots.” How does this sequencing serve the overall narrative and its structure?
Unlock all 35 pages of this Study GuidePlus, gain access to 8,800+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
