Dean S. Karlan

Dean Karlan, Frederic Esser Nemmers Distinguished Professor of Economics at Northwestern and founder of Innovations for Poverty Action, dives into U.S. foreign aid challenges. He discusses the misconception that aid comprises a large budget portion and how this affects public support. Karlan emphasizes the need for evidence-based decision-making in aid initiatives and describes innovative strategies for improving procurement processes. He also highlights the impact of the USAID shutdown, advocating for reforms that prioritize efficiency and partner government involvement.

In this discussion, Dean Karlan, a renowned development economist and former chief economist at USAID, dives deep into the challenges facing foreign aid. He shares insights on ethical dilemmas in prioritizing aid and the need for evidence-based interventions. Karlan critiques USAID's reliance on large contractors and emphasizes the importance of accountability through impact evaluations. He advocates for innovative strategies to enhance the effectiveness of foreign aid, calling for a shift away from the status quo towards evidence-driven approaches that foster sustainable development.