International Grant-Making in Times of Political Unrest: the Case of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Interwar Germany

Abstract

In the past two decades, the embeddedness of potential grantees in complex local webs of both political and welfare relationships challenged the work of international grant-makers, particularly in the context of the war on terrorism. These concerns are no novelty as organized philanthropy has historically worked in countries with undefined political constellations where recipient organizations pursue a wide range of goals. The relationship between the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP) and its local representatives in interwar Germany serves here as a historical case study to better understand the political realities influencing foundations’ selection of local partners. This case shows that the radical pacifist stand of CEIP’s German representatives soon became an obstacle to the work of foundation officers, who consequently sought the collaboration of more pragmatic and politically connected voices. Overall, the study underscores the power dynamics at the center of philanthropic relationships and the different degree of autonomy of advisors, representatives, and grantees in these relationships.