Dean S. Karlan

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.