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Damned If You Do: Foreign Aid and My Struggle to Do Right in Myanmar
Would you give aid to a government that kills its own people? Ellen Goldstein's thought-provoking memoir explores difficult questions about doing right as democracies teeter and the rule of law erodes.Goldstein goes to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to lead one of the world's fastest-growing aid programs amid great optimism for the country's future. Within weeks of her arrival, the military razes villages, kills members of the Rohingya minority, and sends three-quarters of a million refugees fleeing.As Goldstein searches for ways to help the Rohingya, she is caught in the crosshairs of an indifferent government, a risk-averse bureaucracy, and outraged activists. With her career in jeopardy, and haunted by the Holocaust lessons of her childhood, she strives to do right even as her hopes for democracy in Myanmar are dimmed and then brutally crushed. Damned If You Do is a cautionary tale for aid workers, diplomats, and everyone committed to making our world a better place.
- GenresMemoir
376 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2023
7 people are currently reading
665 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 7, 2024
As a young person in the international development sector, this book is a valuable first hand look into the complicated bureaucracy of foreign aid. I learned about how the world bank functions at high levels and the mindset of well-intentioned but crippled leadership. Ellen writes a well-balanced story that is full of her personal reflections with a strong basis in fact. It’s not often I read a historical book that is so recent- it will be interesting to watch Myanmar change through my lifetime.
February 4, 2025
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and to author Ellen Goldstein for providing me with a Kindle copy of this non-fiction memoir of the author’s experiences as a Director of the World Bank in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma and nicknamed The Golden Land). I previously studied Vietnam in college and more recently read about the history of Cambodia so I am generally familiar with Southeast Asia, but this book is my first exposure to the previously reclusive country of Myanmar.
For readers interested in learning more about Myanmar, this book is an excellent introduction to the history of that country, the democratic experiment lead by Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of one of the founders of an independent Burma who was elected to lead Myanmar in 2016, the ethnic conflicts that have historically plagued Myanmar, including the repression and displacement of the Muslim community known as the Rohingya residing predominantly in the Rakhine State, and the constant tension between the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) and the democratically elected civilian government. Unlike Western democracies, the civilian elected government in Myanmar has no oversight or control over the military, and the Myanmar constitution provides the Tatmadaw the exclusive authority to handle all defense, internal security, and border matters. Because the civilian government does not have the power to direct and oversee the military, Myanmar has struggled to build democratic institutions based on a tolerant, multi-ethnic, civil society. In addition to providing insight into the current political struggles and ethnic tensions in Myanmar, Goldstein provides an interesting history of the World Bank and describes the primary goals of that organization. Goldstein notes the World Bank is a specialized agency within the United Nations that was formed after World War II to rebuild countries devastated by the war and continues to provide financial support to reduce poverty, to strength market economies, and to help build the foundations of a civil society in developing nations. The primary purpose of the World Bank during most of Goldstein’s tenure as Director in Myanmar was to promote social inclusion in conflict zones in Myanmar, including in the Rakhine State.
This book is interesting and describes the history and recent turmoil in Myanmar in simple terms. I learned a great deal about how many of the Rohingya people were forced to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh after being targeted by the Tatmadaw as unwelcome in the country. Concurrently with helpful explanations of the current problems in Myanmar, Goldstein describes her personal experiences in Myanmar with an emphasis on the importance of having local Myanmar staff shape and implement the goals of the World Bank. The descriptions of the port city of Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) and the recently build capital in the middle of a jungle Nay Pyi Taw were helpful to understand the geography of Myanmar. Goldstein’s portrayal of the World Bank as bureaucratic, risk averse, and often slow to react to changing situations helps to explain the difficulty Goldstein had gaining support for the changing of the World Bank’s goals in Myanmar after the slaughter of Rohingya men at Inn Din in December 2017. Eventually, the World Bank reacted to the problems in Myanmar by adopting the terrible management practice holding employees accountable for actions of which they have no control. Further, I appreciate the sentiments that market economies and price liberalization reduce poverty, increase investment, and create the foundations of a democratic society. Politicians who promote centralized control of the economic means of production to address economic difficulties should take heed.
The objective parts of this book are excellent, but there are a couple of subjective elements in this work that often detract from the book’s main themes. First, this book is political and often contains blanket statements about groups of people rather than nuanced arguments. For example, the author notes that most, if not all, conservatives are dubious and cannot be trusted while liberals are almost always correct and virtuous. The irony of this is that the two people who caused Goldstein the most trouble during her tenure as Director of the World Bank in Myanmar were the President of the World Bank, an Obama appointee, and the Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank, a well-known progressive. Nuanced arguments about conservative vs. liberal policy would have been more productive than blanket statements. One of the goals of the World Bank is to promote democracy, but the author took issue with United States voters and its institutions when an election turned out in a manner that was not agreeable to the author. Second, the author’s service to the World Bank over decades and the promotion of programs to support education, health care, nutrition, and electricity to the poor throughout the world is commendable and to be lauded. However, the author often makes conclusory statements about herself such as “I am a star” “Everyone loves me” “I am politically savvy,” all of which may all be true. It is up to the reader to draw those conclusions based on the descriptions of actions undertaken by the author.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has interest in Southeast Asia generally or Myanmar specifically. I learned much by reading this book, and I appreciate Goldstein’s honest assessment of the troubles facing Myanmar, the difficulties that the World Bank faced when trying to address these challenging issues, and the impact her long hours working had on her personal life.
For readers interested in learning more about Myanmar, this book is an excellent introduction to the history of that country, the democratic experiment lead by Aung San Suu Kyi, the daughter of one of the founders of an independent Burma who was elected to lead Myanmar in 2016, the ethnic conflicts that have historically plagued Myanmar, including the repression and displacement of the Muslim community known as the Rohingya residing predominantly in the Rakhine State, and the constant tension between the Tatmadaw (the Myanmar military) and the democratically elected civilian government. Unlike Western democracies, the civilian elected government in Myanmar has no oversight or control over the military, and the Myanmar constitution provides the Tatmadaw the exclusive authority to handle all defense, internal security, and border matters. Because the civilian government does not have the power to direct and oversee the military, Myanmar has struggled to build democratic institutions based on a tolerant, multi-ethnic, civil society. In addition to providing insight into the current political struggles and ethnic tensions in Myanmar, Goldstein provides an interesting history of the World Bank and describes the primary goals of that organization. Goldstein notes the World Bank is a specialized agency within the United Nations that was formed after World War II to rebuild countries devastated by the war and continues to provide financial support to reduce poverty, to strength market economies, and to help build the foundations of a civil society in developing nations. The primary purpose of the World Bank during most of Goldstein’s tenure as Director in Myanmar was to promote social inclusion in conflict zones in Myanmar, including in the Rakhine State.
This book is interesting and describes the history and recent turmoil in Myanmar in simple terms. I learned a great deal about how many of the Rohingya people were forced to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh after being targeted by the Tatmadaw as unwelcome in the country. Concurrently with helpful explanations of the current problems in Myanmar, Goldstein describes her personal experiences in Myanmar with an emphasis on the importance of having local Myanmar staff shape and implement the goals of the World Bank. The descriptions of the port city of Yangon (formerly known as Rangoon) and the recently build capital in the middle of a jungle Nay Pyi Taw were helpful to understand the geography of Myanmar. Goldstein’s portrayal of the World Bank as bureaucratic, risk averse, and often slow to react to changing situations helps to explain the difficulty Goldstein had gaining support for the changing of the World Bank’s goals in Myanmar after the slaughter of Rohingya men at Inn Din in December 2017. Eventually, the World Bank reacted to the problems in Myanmar by adopting the terrible management practice holding employees accountable for actions of which they have no control. Further, I appreciate the sentiments that market economies and price liberalization reduce poverty, increase investment, and create the foundations of a democratic society. Politicians who promote centralized control of the economic means of production to address economic difficulties should take heed.
The objective parts of this book are excellent, but there are a couple of subjective elements in this work that often detract from the book’s main themes. First, this book is political and often contains blanket statements about groups of people rather than nuanced arguments. For example, the author notes that most, if not all, conservatives are dubious and cannot be trusted while liberals are almost always correct and virtuous. The irony of this is that the two people who caused Goldstein the most trouble during her tenure as Director of the World Bank in Myanmar were the President of the World Bank, an Obama appointee, and the Chief Operating Officer of the World Bank, a well-known progressive. Nuanced arguments about conservative vs. liberal policy would have been more productive than blanket statements. One of the goals of the World Bank is to promote democracy, but the author took issue with United States voters and its institutions when an election turned out in a manner that was not agreeable to the author. Second, the author’s service to the World Bank over decades and the promotion of programs to support education, health care, nutrition, and electricity to the poor throughout the world is commendable and to be lauded. However, the author often makes conclusory statements about herself such as “I am a star” “Everyone loves me” “I am politically savvy,” all of which may all be true. It is up to the reader to draw those conclusions based on the descriptions of actions undertaken by the author.
I highly recommend this book for anyone who has interest in Southeast Asia generally or Myanmar specifically. I learned much by reading this book, and I appreciate Goldstein’s honest assessment of the troubles facing Myanmar, the difficulties that the World Bank faced when trying to address these challenging issues, and the impact her long hours working had on her personal life.
May 3, 2024
I truly appreciated the way the author wove together her person life experiences with her professional experiences in Myanmar and elsewhere. This is a must read for all development professionals. We have all faced these dilemmas, though perhaps without the heavy burden Ellen faced, but these issues are ever present and Ellen described them with compassion and stamina.
December 17, 2023
Although I am not from the diplomatic or foreign aid sectors, I found this book relatable and informative re: the struggles of being a female leader in a male-dominated world. Its lessons of inclusion on the international stage when attempting to best serve underserved communities are universally applicable. I took the author's message of humility in the face of difficult situations to heart, particularly as she relates her life's work to tikkun olam and how to apply the lessons of the Holocaust. Many things for me to think about as I work in the equal employment opportunity and DEIA spaces.
June 15, 2024
A hard to put down, the book delves into the World Bank’s role in addressing the repercussions and complexities of the Rohingya crisis. Ellen, as the face of the World Bank in Myanmar, shares her experiences candidly. Her writing style combines ambition, discipline, and meticulousness, providing readers with insights into her personal journey. Ellen, an “undiplomatic diplomat”, reflects on her upbringing, connections to the Holocaust, empathy for the Rohingyas, and her leadership from the front in doing everything the Bank could to help those who could and desperately needed help. Overall, the book offers a unique perspective on global issues, human rights, the role of the UN system, and the dynamics of managing up that can make the difference between rise and exit. Read it or miss a substantive account of what it means to say if you do not remember, keep your eyes open, recognize the signs and work for a better world now rather than later, the injustice of history can happen again and again and again!
Zahid Hussain, a retired World Bank economist.
Zahid Hussain, a retired World Bank economist.
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December 5, 2024Ellen Goldstein ’81
Author
From the author:
University of Wisconsin alumna Ellen Goldstein’s powerful memoir explores difficult questions about doing right as democracies teeter and the rule of law erodes. Goldstein goes to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to lead one of the world’s fastest-growing aid programs amid great optimism for the country’s future. Within weeks of her arrival, the military razes villages, killing the Rohingya minority, and sending three-quarters of a million refugees fleeing.
As Goldstein searches for ways to help the Rohingya, she is caught in the crosshairs of an indifferent government, a risk-averse bureaucracy, and outraged activists. With her career in jeopardy, and haunted by the Holocaust lessons of her childhood, she strives to do right even as her hopes for democracy in Myanmar are dimmed and then brutally crushed.
Damned If You Do is a cautionary tale for aid workers, diplomats, and everyone committed to making our world a better place.
Author
From the author:
University of Wisconsin alumna Ellen Goldstein’s powerful memoir explores difficult questions about doing right as democracies teeter and the rule of law erodes. Goldstein goes to Myanmar (formerly Burma) to lead one of the world’s fastest-growing aid programs amid great optimism for the country’s future. Within weeks of her arrival, the military razes villages, killing the Rohingya minority, and sending three-quarters of a million refugees fleeing.
As Goldstein searches for ways to help the Rohingya, she is caught in the crosshairs of an indifferent government, a risk-averse bureaucracy, and outraged activists. With her career in jeopardy, and haunted by the Holocaust lessons of her childhood, she strives to do right even as her hopes for democracy in Myanmar are dimmed and then brutally crushed.
Damned If You Do is a cautionary tale for aid workers, diplomats, and everyone committed to making our world a better place.
December 27, 2024
awesome, gripping, deeply thought-provoking book
Ellen Goldstein takes the courageous step of recognizing that her final assignment in the World Bank made her witness to a history that the world needs to learn. With unflinching honesty and intellectual brilliance she describes her work as one of Myanmar’s key international allies in an effort to support Aung Young Su Chi in consolidating democracy and promoting prosperity. I cannot recommend this fascinating book highly enough!
Ellen Goldstein takes the courageous step of recognizing that her final assignment in the World Bank made her witness to a history that the world needs to learn. With unflinching honesty and intellectual brilliance she describes her work as one of Myanmar’s key international allies in an effort to support Aung Young Su Chi in consolidating democracy and promoting prosperity. I cannot recommend this fascinating book highly enough!
August 24, 2025
Damned If You Do
Somebody wants some recognition… a cookie, a pat on the back, a “thank you” from every living person… something. Every failure was not her fault. It was because she is a woman. It’s because someone doesn’t like her. It’s because of governmental red tape. It’s because (enter a horrible excuse of your choosing). Then she was forced out of a job because she crossed the line, but it wasn’t her fault/someone else overreacted. Too much whining and not enough accountability.
#GoodreadsGiveaways.
Somebody wants some recognition… a cookie, a pat on the back, a “thank you” from every living person… something. Every failure was not her fault. It was because she is a woman. It’s because someone doesn’t like her. It’s because of governmental red tape. It’s because (enter a horrible excuse of your choosing). Then she was forced out of a job because she crossed the line, but it wasn’t her fault/someone else overreacted. Too much whining and not enough accountability.
#GoodreadsGiveaways.
October 22, 2024
I wasn’t sure what to make of this book when I started reading it. The first few chapters felt very woe-is-me / white saviour-esque. Yet, as I kept reading, I found myself enthralled by the stories Goldstein told and the clear struggle humanitarian and diplomatic aides face when trying to make significant progress, especially within a country so isolated and divided like Myanmar.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews