Aid effectiveness and fragile states: New Deal, old debate?

The New Deal for Engagement in Fragile States marks an important ideological shift in development co-operation. Despite this progress, no practical response has been found to the problem of aid co-ordination. This article traces the issue of aid allocation and highlights lessons from the ‘aid orphan’ and ‘aid darling’ debate. It examines the significant, yet under-reported, policy process of the New Deal. It argues that deeper engagement with the concept of trust, and renewed focus on the political elements of the agreement, should be key priorities for the International Dialogue on Peacebuilding and Statebuilding.