[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

--- "certain groups want the African nation to remain picturesque and poor so they can feel good about themselves...."

While we might lock horns from time to time and contentiously at that, I want to offer kudos for your observation.

As above, and in line with the Spiegel article from 2005, "helping" by killing markets is what has been occurring. Not for this nation's best interests, but for a distinct and very small group. Ditto Europe.

"Picturesque and poor" can be said of our "rust belt" and Appalachia, but definitely one must jettison the "picturesque" part of the phrase when considering Democrat-run inner cities.

So worth highlighting AND repeating:

"certain groups want the African nation to remain picturesque and poor so they can feel good about themselves...."

[PIF]

Note:

African poor and “rust belt”/Appalachia poor are not comparable;

African poor scrabbles in the dust for a piece of stale bread to live for another day, while “rust belt”/Appalachia poor toss the stale bread and run to the store;

African poor is exotic and “rust belt”/Appalachia poor is beneath notice.