Why do countries give aid?
Discussion question | This is for ages 10 to 13
International aid is money, supplies or expertise given to help people in other countries.
What do you think is the biggest reason why countries give international aid? Is it mainly to help others, to benefit themselves, to make up for past actions — or for another reason?
Tell us what you think
You might want to structure your answer like this:
I think countries give aid mainly because [a reason]. One example or reason for my view is [give some evidence you have seen or heard]. However, others might think that [share an opposite opinion].
Before you post, read what other Topical Talkers have shared and reply to someone you agree or disagree with.
Comments (9)
Countries give aid for a few main reasons.
First, they want to help people in need. Aid can provide food, clean water, healthcare or support after natural disasters. This can save lives and reduce poverty.
Second, aid can help countries become more stable. When countries are safer and stronger, there may be less war, disease and people forced to leave their homes. This benefits the whole world.
Finally, countries may give aid because it helps their own interests. Aid can improve relationships with other countries and support trade or security.
I think countries give aid mainly because it keeps them safe from getting ill and maybe even going into major surgery. One reason for my view is that when I watched the topical talk power point I noticed that it is best for everyone around the world to get the right amount of aid. However, others might think that other people might not
i think countries give aid mainly because they want to help people in need and help countries .one example for my view is because aid gives / provides you and or other people or countries food , clean water , healthcare , support and or shelter or even homes .however others might think the opposite of me because they probably believe that aid should be saved for their own country but what they do not know is that sharing is caring and that the world does no revolve around them
Those are interesting points Unparalleled radio. Do you think there are any reasons where countries giving aid maybe for negative reasons?
In my opinion, I think countries give aid to other countries mainly for various reasons. They give aid to enhance their own security, to prevent friendly governments from falling under the influence of unfriendly ones, to relieve war, to help a country gain diplomatic recognition and so much more. One example is, an organisation called the International Narcotics Control Program, which allocates the United States to fund countries to fight illegal drug production, which I can say its very useful to the world, given the health related disasters we face daily. However, others might think that international or foreign aid is nothing more than a tool of influence of donor countries. For example, the public poll opinion of the United States say that international aid consumes about 20% of the countries' budget, but for me, it actually depends on what they use it for. If it is valuable and helpful, it doesn't matter how much money used because they would equally benefit from it at the end. On the other hand, I think international aid is very useful and effective and we should learn to use it for the betterment of the world, not using it to bring us to our demise.
So I would just highlight in my own point of view why countries give aid to their fellow countries.
NATIONAL SECURITY : Aid is used to stabize regions , preventing conflict or state collapse that could pose security threats. For example on the 25th of December 2025, the U.S.A sent strikes to an Islamic state militant that has been terrorising persons in the country because the Nigerian government saw that them involving the U.S.A in the defeat of that terrorist group will be good.
BUILDING ALLIANCES AND INFLUENCE : Providing aid is a key diplomatic tool to gain support in international oranizations like the UN , secure military base rights , or ensure a friendly government stays in power. for example the UN provide a base in South Sudan to monitor peace processes and protect civilians.
COUNTERING COMPETITORS
This is to prevent nations from falling under the influence of rivals. For example the Ukraine and Russia war. aids are being sent to Ukraine to prevent Russia from taking over parts of the country.
These are my reasons . And I think if aid is being supplied to countries suffering from one problem to another I think racism, critism and other vices amongs countries will be curbed. Thank you
I think country’s give aid because there are positive outcomes for them and positive outcomes for the other country. Let me explain what I mean.
The country giving the aid will strengthen alliances and give them almost a safety net if they get into a war because the other country will most likely give help back.
The country receiving the aid is getting help to improve the country or to help the country with medical care or to help getting out of a war. For example, Ukraine is currently in a war with Russia and Ukraine is getting plenty of help to stay strong.
To me, nations offer help because it's both the right thing to do and a clever move – truly a win-win.Something like when you help fight a disease in another country.When we send vaccines or doctors to places far away, sure, it saves lives there, but it also really keeps illnesses from getting into our own neighborhoods.It’s like helping a neighbor put out a fire before the wind carries it to your door.I just think compassion and common sense often go hand in hand.
I get why folks might be a bit skeptical, though.It sometimes seems like aid is just a tool for making nice with big countries, or getting hands on things like oil and crops.And honestly, history shows that's sometimes true.Sometimes help comes with conditions, and that doesn't really feel fair at all.
At its core, I believe the best aid really comes down to our shared humanity.Yeah, governments should definitely look out for their own citizens' safety and job security. But they can totally do that in a way that helps other people, too.When you truly help someone, it's not about making them rely on you forever. It's about giving them what they need so they can create their own path forward.When we strike that proper balance, we're doing more than just giving aid; we're actually building stronger, more connected communities all over the world, and that's a goal worth going for.
Hello Topical Talkers.
I think that countries give international aid mainly because they want to protect and incraese their own influence around the world. One example I have seen is that how some countries provide aid to nations that are strategically important for trade, military or political reasons. This doesn't mean they don't care about people who need help, but it shows that notional interest often plays a big role in the decision.
However, others might think that countries give aid mainly to help people in need, especially during natural disasters or crises. For instance, when a country sends emergency food or medical supplies after a hurricane or earthquake, it clearly saves lives and supports recovery. Some people believe this is the real motivation behind the international aid, and that political reasons are secondary.
For me, the truth is probably a mix of both. Aid can genuinely help people, but it's also influenced by politics, economics and global strategy. I think it's important to be aware of both sides, so we can understand how international aware really works and what drives countries to provide it.
Thanks for reading!