As always, in the build up to Christmas there is a frenzy of activity. Christmas adverts and Black Friday are doing their best to make sure that our spirit of giving/purchasing is as strong as ever – but charity campaigns are also joining these efforts. We’ve just had BBC Children in Need, the Poppy Appeal and we’re edging towards the end of Movember; but don’t forget the annual event of Giving Tuesday taking place today!

Entwined with the history of imperialism is how richer countries give money to poorer countries – something they have been doing in various ways since the 19th century.[1] People usually think of international giving as programmes or aid goods packages, however a growing trend is appearing to complement or replace these interventions – cash transfers.