To what extent are we morally obliged to give aid to foreign countries?

Question

And what is the nature of this obligation? (i.e. why and and how much are we obliged to give)

Answer 1

It would be ethically ideal to give all you can without starving, but most people (including myself) are unwilling to go to that extent. It would be practiclaly ideal to give whenever you can within your means.

Another alternative is to give time. Some say time is money, but we have our limits of how much time we can spend at work (only to give money away to charity)... It's the return factor of instrinsic rewards that would lead some to give volunteer hours and not work oneself to death to give money to the poor.

In moderation, is best because you never know when a loved one around you may need your financial stability. Also, we need to invest in our retirement, so that limits our handing out cash to strangers.

Answer 2

Each and every country will have poor people, natural calamities etc. First of all a country should give all facilities and fulfil its needs then should think of giving other country from their treasure if available.

How much to give, it depends upon the treasure of that country, and it definitely differ from country to country.

Nature of the Obligation is nothing but humanity.

Those who cannot afford to support others, they at least help verbally.

Note :- One should not create the situation for others to ask obligation, it is a crime.

Answer 3

We are never morally obligated to take from American wage-earners to give to any other nation. All such actions should be done "democratically" through such means as the selling of bonds for those specific purposes. If the bonds don't get purchased, the American people have voted.
The only exception may be in the defence of democratic liberties, but it would still be on a case by case basis. For example, if Iran made the attempt to wipe out Israel. But what if France and Israel became enemies based not on Judaism, but on economics, for example, and it led to war? I think we might stay out of that except for diplomacy.

Answer 4

The reasons why one country provides foreign aid to another are strategic, not moral. The benefit to the donor country might be a trade or military advantage, but there is never a gift for gift's sake.

There is no moral imperative in foreign affairs.

Answer 5

There is no moral obligation... but powerful countries like the US and the UK have learned through experience that aid is the most effective route to create influence and impose one's will over others...... foreign aid is lucrative business since the returns are more than proportionate.

Answer 6

Honestly your not obligated to give a darn thing to anyone else. However, history often paints a dark fate for hoarders.
Would you rather help your neighbor, or abandon them until they resort to radical & extreme measures, at your expense?

Answer 7

To poorer countries, we should give until there's nothing more in our capacity to give...without counting the cost...and with no strings attached and any expectation of reciprocation from the receivers.

Answer 8

We aren't morally obliged.But the world would certainly be a better place if we'd help each other.

Answer 9

There's NONE ! Is all business....No1 gives anything 4 FREE !