Microcredit as Model: a Critique of State/NGO Relations

Abstract

This article argues that in an era of globalization, increased cooperation between States and NGOs is essential. While states will continue to dominate, globalization presents problems that go beyond the individual and even collective capacity of States. It uses microcredit, the practice of providing access to capital and other financial services sums of money to traditionally disadvantaged groups pioneered by the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh as a model for productive collaboration between States and NGOs. It assesses the roadblocks to such a collaborative model, and argues that careful attention to incentives and structure can overcome those hurdles and help all actors capitalize on their comparative advantage as they work together to confront global issues.