Norway’s Development Assistance Policy: Legal Framework, Conceptual Ground and Current Trends

Abstract

Goal – the goal of the present article is to put into perspective the conceptual framework of Norway’s development assistance policy. It argues that the Norwegian approach to development assistance stems from the welfare-state ideology, the position of moralism and the humane internationalism formed due to Norway’s identity as a small state. In this vein, Norway regards development assistance as a crucial way to promote its socio-political values and maintain international stability. Being one of the most generous donors of ODA in proportion to the size of its economy, Norway demonstrates its readiness to have a moral responsibility for the global common good. Research methodology – the methods used in the article are external research of offi cial documents and reports of Norwegian governmental agencies and international organizations, as well as historical analysis of key pillars and trends of Norwegian development assistance. Score/result – the article is distinguished by a high scientific level. Originality/value – the article represents the original complex approach to the pro blem of Norwegian development assistance providing substantial analysis of its legal framework and conceptual ground.