Which option correctly lists a common international aid mechanism and a potential drawback?

• A. Loans and sanctions
• B. Public debt forgiveness
• C. Grants and technical assistance
• D. Military intervention

Answer: (C)

Aid often comes in the form of grants and technical assistance. Grants provide money that does not need to be paid back, which can jump-start projects like schools, clinics, or infrastructure. Technical assistance brings in experts, training, and know-how to help a country plan, implement, and sustain programs, building local capacity. A common drawback is that this kind of aid can create dependency if the recipient comes to rely on ongoing funding or external expertise instead of developing own systems. It can also be tied to donor priorities or conditions that don’t perfectly fit local needs, making long-term sustainability harder. When designed with strong local ownership and capacity-building, these aids can be very effective, but the potential for dependency and misalignment explains why this combination is a realistic and meaningful drawback to consider.