OPINION: Many among those who advocate for cash transfers are frustrated with corrupt and inefficient governments and want to explore an easier way out. There is no easy way out. Poor people, like all of us, need strong states to provide law and order, security, and some basic services like public health. Injecting unprecedented amounts of cash into weak state environments, because technology makes it easy to do so and randomized control trials (RCTs) have shown positive results, may have unintended and adverse consequences. Read More