Student Research Projects

Democracy Assistance: USAID in Bolivia and Uganda

Student Name(s)	Nathanael Swann
Faculty Mentor(s)	Dr. Laura Landolt
Department	Political Science
Course	POLS 499: Senior Seminar

Abstract

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocates democracy assistance to a number of nations. Some scholars argue that this aid does not have a positive effect on recipient nations, and may even create a disconnect between government officials and domestic constituencies. This paper will explore the relationship between USAID funding and democracy. For comparison, oil rents and GDP output will also be measured for their relative effects on democracy.