Moyo discusses pre-existing institutions in European societies that facilitated the use of aid. This reinforces Acemoglu and Robinson argument in "Why Nations States Fail?" arguing states with inclusive institutions are in a virtuous cycle were they can spur growth and correct the ills of society, by efficiently allocating resources to prosperity (Acemoglu and Robinson, 2012). The main difference between Europe and Africa is the existence and relevance of institutions. In Africa institutions are almost non-existent and even if they exist they are inefficient. This makes it impossible for aid or any form of growth to thrive in a society were institutions have to responsibility to citizenry. .
Moyo argues Africa is in demise because of aid, institutions are fable and inefficient over that past years aid has been able to sustain the longevity of rogue regimes within the continent. Politicians have taken the whole system hostage and continuously stayed in poverty with no incentive to help their people. Aid is weapons, which were used in the cold war between the USA and USSR in their contest to turn the world capitalist or communist (Douglas and Mclntyre, 2009). Today in sub-Saharan Africa, aid is a weapon used against peoples by their national governments. It is as a result of national governments catering to the needs of donors instead of their people enabling cronies to stay in power. African Governments have killed growth, destroyed civil society and social capital and exhausted monetary policy and the health of developing economies (inflation, poor savings and investments, Chokes off exports) (Moyo, 2009). .
Moyo argues democracy is not a prerequisite for economic development. The rise of East Asian tigers strengthens her arguments with unmatched growth and increase in per capita income. Although this type of growth has only been seen in East Asia. She argues benevolent dictators are what Africa needs to move forward.
