Killing Aid: How Foreign Aid Flows Shape Global Homicide Rates

• In Event: Rethinking U.S.-Global South Crime and Criminal Justice Partnerships in an Era of Disengagement

Abstract

This paper investigates the relationship between foreign aid investments and intentional homicide rates across aid-recipient countries, exploring how aid-driven economic and institutional changes influence violent crime. This work investigates whether increases in foreign aid are correlated with reductions in homicide rates and examines the potential criminogenic effects of sudden aid divestment. Preliminary findings suggest that sustained aid—particularly targeted at governance, education, and economic development—contributes to lower homicide rates. However, abrupt reductions or withdrawals of aid can reverse these gains.

Author

• Laura Iesue, Sam Houston State University