ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 defines the globalization of foreign aid and introduces the main objectives of the book. It first addresses the main concerns linked to the growing similarity of foreign aid priorities among aid donors. Next, it introduces and explains the world society theoretical framework used in the book, including its strengths and weaknesses. The chapter then turns to how the book employs this perspective and adds to it by examining processes and mechanisms of globalization that underscore the relationship between world society and the state. The key premises of the book are introduced, explaining how we can conceive of aid donor policy as a world cultural model in the world society context, the role international actors play in diffusing these models, how the structure of donor agencies mediates this diffusion process, and the role of individuals within aid agencies in effecting this diffusion. The chapter then highlights the primary research questions addressed by the book and how they were approached methodologically. Finally, the chapter closes with an overview of how the remainder of the book unfolds, providing an overview of subsequent chapters.
