Philanthropic Foundations in International Development

Reviews / Votes

"A refreshing and fascinating study of the power, politics and influence of global foundations on international development policy and practice. From the Gates Foundation to the Al Waleed philanthropies of Saudia Arabia, Kilby skilfully unravels the implications for global stability and change in a post-Covid world. A `must read' for development studies, international relations, politics and public health researchers." -- Jude Howell, Professor of International Development, LSE, UK

"Love or loathe them, the influence of massively wealthy foundations set up by wealthy entrepreneurs has had a profound effect on development affairs. This highly readable account provides an important introduction to some of the oldest and largest foundations, and explores the context in which the newer arrivals will wield their influence." -- Dan Brockington, Professor and Director of SIID, University of Sheffield, UK

"For over a hundred years, large American private foundations - especially Rockefeller, Ford, and Gates - have shaped and inspired philanthropy and catalysed opposition to it. Patrick Kilby has written an indispensable history and important analysis of the role that the Rockefeller, Ford and Gates foundations have played in international development and national life. As we transition to a new era of increased philanthropic competition, diversity, and innovation, we are grateful to Dr. Kilby for illuminating this history and pointing the way to the paths of conflict and progress ahead for organized philanthropy." -- Mark Sidel, Doyle-Bascom Professor of Law and Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA

"Patrick Kilby's study of philanthrocapitalism reveals that foundations such as Rockefeller, Ford and Gates are not minor adjuncts to state-dominated international aid and development policy, but major players and influencers in their own right. Kilby has managed to untangle the complex mixture of self-interest, altruism, ideology and the will to power that have shaped the work of these foundations, as well as the ambiguous impacts of their activities on the often poor, vulnerable and marginalised people they have been intended to help." -- Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History, The Australian National University