How do people view foreign aid to 'nasty' regimes? A survey experiment shows public aversion, but it can be reversed if donors engage closely with such countries. This finding challenges the idea that moral motives are the primary drivers of foreign aid preferences.

Survey Experiment Design: Respondents evaluated policies toward recipient nations violating human rights or undermining democratic processes.︎

### Moral Concerns & Instrumental Benefits

Respondents strongly disliked providing aid to nasty regimes, but valued the tangible benefits these countries might gain. This interplay suggests foreign aid decisions aren't purely driven by morality.︎

### Reversing Public Aversion:bulb:

Surprisingly, moral aversion diminished significantly when respondents learned donors had direct relationships with recipient governments. Engagement appeared to mitigate public objections against aiding despotic states.︎

This challenges established theories on foreign aid preferences and raises important questions about the effectiveness of aid strategies.