I'm just curious why should developed world help third world countries?

Question

I was wondering what motivation do developed nations have in helping developing countries? Why should they pour billions of dollars in aid when that money could be spent on enriching their own people?

Before I get more flames, let me clarify that I'm from a developing country myself. If the arguments are just about fraternity, 'humans should help each other', then I'm afraid developing countries have not much chance. Humans, by nature, may be good by heart but governments as a whole rarely are. Is there any economic reason for a developed world helping other countries progress?

Answer 1

Because of diminishing returns. There is only so much investment a devloped economy can soak up in any point in time and the returns from those investments decrease as investments increase. Third world nation, being largely undeveloped, offer great returns per dollar invested. Developing economies closing the economic gap with developed economies is called the 'Catch-Up Effect'. To do business with people they have to be alive, not to mention the cheap labour for devloped economics and the employment for developing economies.

However, this is just the economic argument, and since economics is, by necessity, entwined with all aspects of life and history (eg. politics, history, culture, etc.) there are many arguments out there waiting to be heard. I don't think Yahoo! Answers will allow for enough answers on this question!

Answer 2

In a capitalistic sense, if developed nations help developing nations they get two primary things out of it. Cheap labor and customers. They can get their products manufactured in developing countries for 10% of what it would cost in their own country. Once a developing country starts having a middle economic class they will become consumers of imported products and goods from developed nations. It's a win/win situation.

Answer 3

To save the lives of others.

I think its a legal duty that we help out others in need but that might just be my conscience talking. Why should the rich get richer and the poor get poorer? Why can't we find a middle ground so that people in our world aren't living in poverty: facing death everyday.

If you had a heart, you could probably find the answer to your own question.

Answer 4

Because it takes so little to do so much good. Most people are altruistic, but like to get a good buy with their charity. The UN estimates we could lift billions of people out of abject poverty if developed countries would give 1% of their GDP. But that amount of money wouldn't have much effect in the US.

Answer 5

one could argue that it is in the nature of humanity to help each other out. that it would be the very core of human nature to be compelled to assist others in need.
at the same time its also within humanity to thrive off the suffering and sacrifice of others. in a world global economy its always best to keep third world countries going as they are the chief outsourcing labor. without them then many developed countries would not be as successful. its also good to collect as many allies as you possibly can. the country could develop successfully and assist prominent allies or at least offer bodies for the fodder.
a more cynical view but then again its all relative.

Answer 6

Ideally, they should help third world countries because they are suffering.

But in reality, they help to exploit them of labor or natural resources.

Answer 7

It's the decent thing to do. Wouldn't you want help. They really need to supply them with a life time supply of condoms. That might help a little.

Answer 8

Imagine yourself living in a third world country or even go to one of them and I think you will find your answer.

Answer 9

They help because they're good and descent people. Simple as that.

Answer 10

Because of the brotherhood of man. Anyone with a sense of justice, must know that situations are grossly unequal between different peoples, compassion must come into this.