Comparison of Aid Allocation Patterns of Two Emerging Donors: Korea and Greece

This study analyzes how the aid allocation pattern of the OECD DAC’s emerging donor Korea is different from that of Greece. By using the dataset of 153 aid recipient countries from 1996 to 2008 and 1987 to 2011 respectively, this study reveals that Greece and Korea display similar patterns of aid disbursement. They favor recipients with higher income level, with larger population, closer trade ties, better social development, protection of freedom and human rights, and nearby located neighbors. However, in case of Korea, this study conjectures that aid fragmentation and obscure processes in approving the ODA-funded projects may be latent challenges in upholding coherent aid practices.