Understanding the exogenous effects of foreign aid, rather than simply development metrics, is imperative for policymakers and recipient states as they make decisions. Particularly, the potential effect of Official Development Aid (ODA) on the frequency of Militarized Interstate Disputes (MIDs) provides important context to a topic usually constrained to the local or regional level. As such, this paper investigates the research question, “Is there a statistically significant relationship between ODA and the frequency of MIDs?” With a specific focus on Chinese and United States ODA, this paper investigates from 1991-2010. In this study, I find that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between ODA and MIDs, indicating the failure of former colonial powers to fit into the research puzzle. Additionally, I find substantial evidence that suggests future implications for Chinese and United States ODA and MIDs, as more data becomes available.

Margaret Kenney would like to thank her faculty sponser, Dr. Nori Katagiri, with this message:

"Dr. Katagiri has been a tremendous resource to me throughout my time at SLU. He challenged me in every class, encouraged me to think bigger, and guided me throughout this independent research project. I will always be grateful for the impact he has had on me as an intellectual and a person. "