Between the Lines

Foreign Aid and Its Unintended Consequences

Between the Lines

Show Notes

In this IDS Between the Lines podcast, IDS Research Fellow Peter Taylor, interviews Dirk-Jan Koch Chief Science Officer of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and author of the book: Foreign Aid and Its Unintended Consequences. They provide a clear overview of what side effects to anticipate when planning, executing, and evaluating aid.

This podcast is an important listen for students new to development and particularly for development practitioners and policymakers alike as they embark on future aid strategies that are meant to benefit in-country recipients.

About the interviewee Dirk-Jan Koch is Chief Science Officer of the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is Special Professor of International Trade & Development Cooperation at Radboud University, the Netherlands. Views expressed in this book do not represent the official views of these institutions.

About the interviewer Peter Taylor is Director of Research at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS). Previously he was Director, Strategic Development, at the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada where he was responsible for leading IDRC’s strategic planning processes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More from Between the Lines

Sep 9, 2026

The sudden collapse of USAID in 2025 sent shockwaves through Uganda’s HIV response and the people hardest hit are those the system was already failing.

Aug 17, 2026

As climate shocks become more frequent across East and Southern Africa, building resilience is critical to reducing poverty and improving wellbeing.

Jul 9, 2026

African countries must work more closely together at regional and continental levels if they are to overcome barriers to innovation and drive sustainable development, experts have warned.

Jun 17, 2026

Social protection is seen as a solution to many problems of development, including poverty, food insecurity and access to services. But we also know that social protection has its limitations. So how do we justify getting Governments to invest in social protection programmes rather than investing in infrastructure or job creation or other services like health and education?

May 27, 2026

IDS was recently honoured to welcome the Hon. Prime Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr Harini Amarasuriya to mark the 60th anniversary of IDS. She shared her journey from her career as an academic and an activist before entering politics and being elected as Prime Minister of Sri Lanka in 2024.

See all episodes →