Building Relationships in Development Cooperation: Traditional Donors and Rising Powers

Staff working in development agencies from traditional donor countries in the North need to be aware of the ways in which their actions are understood by their counterparts in the rising powers. IDS research reveals concerns amongst the rising powers over the historical baggage associated with Northern donor states. As such, the recommendations in this brief focus on the need for development cooperation to centre on building relationships to ensure the sustainability of cooperation, rather than focusing on short-term goals. Traditional donors must consciously change their behaviour, including through a commitment to mutual learning.