Should a country’s first responsibility be to help its own citizens or to help people in need around the world?

Countries around the world face many crises and issues, such as having extreme poverty, famine, natural disasters, and even wars. International aid is a way for countries around the world to show support for those countries in need or that are experiencing major crises. Countries can also use international aid as a way of forming an alliance. However, if said country prioritized other countries problems over their own citizens, it could lead their country into a worse situation.

For example, after the 2025 earthquake in Myanmar, Myanmar’s military junta supposedly refused international aid, specifically to Taiwan. Myanmar’s military government was accused of refusing and blocking or restricting aid in certain regions. The refusal of aid led to many losing their lives or their loved ones causing a tragic total of nearly 4000 people dying. In that said situation it showed that the country didn’t prioritize their own citizens which led to a loss of civilians and even people asking about the governments poor choices and if human rights even matter anymore.

It's not wrong to help people in need around the world but just imagine you are a struggling third world country trying to survive, so you attempt to suck up to the more developed countries hoping to become allies, while your own people are struggling, you choose to give your resources to others instead of to your own civilians who need it. It’s similar to a normal real life situation of when you choose your friends feeling over yours, you know it hurts but you still prioritize them.

At the end of day it all depends on the situation if you’re a rich and developed country or a poor third world country, if you have a big crisis or just a minor casualty. It’s best to balance it, help those countries that need it but don’t also neglect your country when they’re the ones who need it.