ABSTRACT
This chapter draws together the major themes of this book and highlights the contribution it has made regarding the allocation and delivery of US development cooperation to its key South Asian ally. The book has argued that the key determinants driving the US foreign aid architecture are the same today as they were during the Cold War period: geo-strategic, political and security considerations. This chapter also discusses that although Pakistan received substantial US economic and military aid during the Cold War period and was once again one of the largest recipients of US economic and security aid in the “war on terror” period, the US–Pakistan alliances, both the Cold War one and the current one, have had extremely negative repercussions on the state and society of Pakistan. The overall advantages and disadvantages of the US–Pakistan alliance during the Afghan War years and the “war on terror” period are, therefore, examined. The use of drones by US authorities to target al-Qaeda and Taliban militants in Pakistan and its implications also form part of the discussion, which in turn have led to the US being highly unpopular within Pakistan despite its multi-billion-dollar aid programme. In addition, the allocation of US aid to Pakistan during military and civilian regimes is also analysed to explore whether the US has helped in strengthening democracy or played a role in undermining it. Moreover, aid during the tenures of Republicans and Democrats is examined to provide an overview of whether historically Republicans or Democrats have provided more assistance to Pakistan. Last, in relation to the delivery and utilization of US aid within the PD framework, the book adopts a normative approach and provides some recommendations for better utilization of development aid to accomplish greater development outcomes.
