Doing Bad by Doing Good: Why Humanitarian Action Fails

An economics-focused analysis of why humanitarian relief efforts fail and how they can be remedied.

In 2010, Haiti was ravaged by a brutal earthquake that affected the lives of millions. The call to assist those in need was heard around the globe. Yet two years later humanitarian efforts led by governments and NGOs have largely failed. Resources are not reaching the needy due to bureaucratic red tape, and many assets have been squandered. How can efforts intended to help the suffering fail ...