Norwegian politician Jan Egeland shares a 50-year overview of human progress. Nearly everywhere, life expectancy and purchasing power have risen while child mortality rates and the number of active conflicts have decreased.The reason, Egeland asserts, lies in improved international relief, which is better coordinated and more effective than ever before. But despite all of its promise, says Egeland, aid is the least useful way to bring about change. Fairtrade, justice, good governance, and investment all rank ahead of it. Still,countries with something to give are responsible for providing funding for nations desperate for help; sometimes, assistance is the only available option.