Wealthy nations have accumulated their prosperity partly through colonial extraction and global trade systems that still benefit them—they have a responsibility to help lift people out of extreme poverty. Millions die from preventable diseases and lack of basic infrastructure in the poorest regions, and the cost to rich countries is trivial compared to their GDP. If we claim to value human life equally regardless of birthplace, we have to back that up with real resources.
Governments exist first and foremost to serve their own citizens—many wealthy nations still have significant poverty, crumbling infrastructure, and underfunded public services at home. There's no proof that throwing more aid money actually solves problems in corrupt regimes or creates lasting development, and it often gets siphoned off by elites. Countries should get their own house in order before becoming the world's charity.
