Abstract

Rising states often face critical decisions about accepting or refusing humanitarian aid during crises, shaped by domestic and international audience costs. This study examines these dynamics through the lens of audience cost theory, using India's responses during the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. During the first wave, India refused aid, supported by low audience costs and high stateness, reflecting confidence in self-reliance. However, the second wave's devastating surge in cases and healthcare system collapse increased domestic dissatisfaction and international pressure, raising audience costs and diminishing stateness. This shift compelled India to accept aid, demonstrating the interplay between audience costs and stateness in determining aid strategies. The findings highlight how states with high stateness can mitigate audience costs, while those with low stateness face greater vulnerability to domestic and international pressures. This study contributes to the understanding of the political dynamics of aid responses in rising powers, showing that such decisions extend beyond humanitarian needs and involve strategic calculations influenced by sovereignty and global expectations. The research underscores the importance of multilateral frameworks that account for these complexities, enabling more effective global cooperation in future crises. By analyzing India's aid responses, this study offers insights into the broader implications for global governance and crisis management, advancing the understanding of how rising states navigate crises while balancing internal and external pressures. The findings indicate that aid responses are influenced by political contexts, prompting further study on their interaction with audience costs, stateness, and aid strategies in international relations.