Abstract

This thesis looks at the nature of Norwegian aid and how the domestic socio-political realities influence the character of Norwegian development assistance. Norwegian development aid is analyzed as a foreign policy decision, examining the institutional structure and domestic stakeholders and establishing the role and strength of each player within the decision-making process. Understanding how development policies are formed provides a better background for analyzing the interests that lies behind a country's aid program. In being aware of these interests, we can better analyze the donor motives of foreign aid and how they impact the development trajectory in the recipient country. The research yields several findings regarding the formation of Norway's development policy: 1) Norway has a corporative system where domestic actors actively take part in the decision-making process; 2) Domestic stakeholders participate when the issue at hand concerns their own agenda or affects them in any way; 3) Their strength within the system depend on whether or not they are aligned with the political agenda of the sitting government. The research further suggests that the individual has some impact on the policy process, though this largely depends on their position within the system. In conclusion, the research confirms that to a certain extent Norwegian development policy is influenced by domestic socio-political interests.

Department

Political Science Department

Degree Name

MA in Political Science

Graduation Date

Summer 7-20-2011

Submission Date

7-20-2011

First Advisor

Fishere, Ezzedine

Committee Member 1

[committee member name not provided]

Committee Member 2

[committee member name not provided]

Extent

NA

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Norway -- Economic assistance -- 21st century.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy. The author has granted the American University in Cairo or its agents a non-exclusive license to archive this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study, and to make it accessible, in whole or in part, in all forms of media, now or hereafter known.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Not necessary for this item

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