School of Public Policy - Research Proposal Example

School of Public Policy Research Proposal Foreign Aid and Horizontal Inequality: Case of Afghanistan Background Afghanistan politics observed a new change after September 11, 2001 tragedy of US twin towers followed by military attack of USA / allied NATO forces (in October) to fight Taliban militants who had been controlling 90 - 95% of this land-lock nation. The coalition forces outlawed Taliban within two months and initiated Reconstruction and Rehabilitation programme for economic development / well-being of poverty-stricken and unemployment hit Afghanistan. It is worthwhile to mention the fact that Afghanistan (since then) has received billions of dollars under the name financial aid / grants / loans to initiate rehabilitation and development of infrastructure. However, the nation has still not progressed because of inefficient utilisation of existing resources. Nevertheless, the major reasons behind the above mentioned include corruption, insurgencies, horizontal inequalities and internal rifts among political forces and civil authorities across Afghanistan. 2. Aims and Objectives of research study It should be highlighted that Afghanistan has been suffering largely from insurgencies, law & order and security issues that, in fact, have become the major impediments in reconstruction and development efforts. Afghanistan is a country with violence and conflict history. Many historians and present analysts consider ethnic diversity and horizontal inequality as the main causes of the past and recent conflicts in the country. Horizontal Inequalities (HI) could be in the form of political, economic and social disadvantages faced by groups from this different religions and ethnicities with distinct cultures, norms, values and traditions. Though these HIs are linked with each other, the focus of this research project will be mainly on economic and social inequalities (Stewart, 2002). It should be pointed out that Afghan government authorities are heavily dependent on foreign aid and external financial grants because they are utilised in formulating annual budgets. Indeed, the development budget is 100% financed by these financial aids, whereas the funds received from donors are also allocated for running state entities and government institutions. Therefore, the research assumes that foreign aid is linked with horizontal inequalities (HI) and there is dire need to identify the scope and impact of this relationship through a comprehensive primary and secondary research. In simple words, the aim of this research is to determine the impact of foreign aid on horizontal inequalities in Afghanistan and analyse how aid could be used to overcome HIs in the country. 3. Significance of this Research Study This research project will be a contribution to existing literature because the previous researchers / International Relations experts have not conducted significant research, specifically, on the chosen topic in the context of Afghanistan. Having analysed the findings, the researcher will provide pertinent recommendations to Afghan policy makers that could be applied to eradicate / reduce social, political and economic inequalities. 4. Research questions 1. Taking into consideration the horizontal inequalities, how aid is allocated to various civil authorities, public welfare, business sectors etc.? On what basis? 2. How effective such allocations are? What could be the impact of aid allocation on internal conflicts among political institutions, government agencies and independent groups? 3. To what extend have HIs been taken into consideration when formulating strategic policies and countrywide national development programmes such as Afghanistan National Development Strategy, SAWPs etc.? 4. How could aid be directed towards reduction of HI followed by prevention of conflicts? 5. Literature Review Inclusion of HIs in aid and development policies is a relatively new concept. The main advocates of this approach are Professor Frances Stewart, Lars-Erik Cederman, Nils Weidmann and Kristian Gleditsch. These proponents strongly believe / argue that horizontal inequalities are the root causes of conflicts / disputes among different ethnic and religious groups, individuals etc. Indeed, the HIs contribute significantly in societal unrest, instability and uncertainty that then adversely impacts a nation’s economic growth and well-being (Stewart, 2010). For instance, these conflicts lead to war that will have an adverse subsequent impact on development, unemployment and poverty. McCoy (2008) had also highlighted the fact that horizontal inequalities may trigger conflicts among different nations (in addition to internal disputes within a society) that could prove deleterious for well-being of all nations worldwide. Cederman et al (2010) have also confirmed by pointing out the possibility of ‘ethno-nationalist conflicts’ among nations with certain economic, political and social inequalities. It is worth mentioning that the rising difference between rich and poor within a society, due to incorrect allocation of burdens and benefits / economic resources, actually trigger conflicts and create tensions / rifts among social classes. For instance, the misuse of external financial aid / grants by privileged / powerful / stronger elements may compel poor or unprivileged to resist and indulge in violence / aggression / conflicts with those who create disparities. 6. Research methodology: 6.1 – Secondary The researcher will use secondary sources for preparation of Introduction and Literature Review chapters of the thesis. Unequivocally, the current literature could be used as a basis in analysing research questions and hypotheses. 6.2 – Primary For instance, primary research (survey questionnaire and interviews with general public and Afghan representatives at government institutions) will also be conducted to determine how foreign aid positively / negatively relates with Horizontal Inequalities across Afghanistan. It is worthwhile to mention the fact that the research study will be a combination of qualitative and quantitative information, which will be used to prepare Empirical Research, Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations chapters of thesis. Indeed, the researcher will present cases of different provinces with different donors, obtain data from interviews with residents and local government officials, Donors Assistance Database in Ministry of Finance, ANDS database, Ministry of Finance records on provincial budgeting and others etc. 6.3 - Data Analysis For instance, the questionnaire (15 – 20 questions) will be developed on Likert scale (5-6 options on average) so that desirable information and responses could be obtained from participants. The researcher may use quantitative methods such as econometrics regression analysis, probability distributions, chi-square test etc. for data analysis if needed. However, there is greater probability that the researcher will use qualitative methods for analysing data. Bibliography / References Stewart, Frances (2002) “Horizontal Inequalities: A Neglected Dimension of Development” University of Oxford, Working Paper Number 81 [Online] Available at http://www3.qeh.ox.ac.uk/pdf/qehwp/qehwps81.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Cederman, Lars-Erik, Nils Weidmann and Kristian Gleditsch (2010) “Horizontal Inequalities and Ethno-Nationalist Civil War: A Global Comparison” American Political Science Association [Online] Available at http://stockholm.sgir.eu/uploads/HI_Paper_2010-08-25.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Stewart, Frances (a) (2009) “A Global View of Horizontal Inequalities: Inequalities experienced by Muslims worldwide” MICROCON Research Working Paper 13 [Online] Available at http://www.microconflict.eu/publications/RWP13_FS.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] McCoy, David (2008) “Rectifying Horizontal Inequalities: Lessons from African Conflict” African Journal on Conflict Resolution, vol. 8, no. 1 pp. 105-134 [Online] Available at http://ajol.info/index.php/ajcr/article/viewFile/39422/29629 [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Stewart, Frances (2010) “Horizontal inequalities as a cause of conflict: a review of CRISE findings” Centre for Research on Inequality, Human Security and Ethnicity [Online] Available at http://www.dfid.gov.uk/R4D/PDF/Outputs/Inequality/CRISE-Overview-1.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Stewart, Frances (b) (2009) “Horizontal inequalities as a cause of conflict” Bradford Development Lecture [Online] Available at http://www.brad.ac.uk/acad/bcid/seminar/BDLStewart.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Moniaga, Renita (2008) “The relationship between conflict, poverty and horizontal inequality - A case study of Timor-Leste” Poverty and Inequality in Development [Online] Available at http://gpia.info/files/u96/Moniaga_R_The_Relationship_Between.pdf [Accessed - December 23, 2010] Read More