Bullshit Without Borders

Let’s Change the Way We Change the World

By: Susan M. Davis

Narrated by: Susan M. Davis

The system of “saving the world” is broken—and it’s time to call bullshit. After seeing good intentions lead to bad outcomes in 30 countries, international development veteran Susan M. Davis is challenging the sacred cows of the aid industrial complex.

"Bullshit without Borders" is a provocative, self-implicating, and often hilarious exposé of the weird world of global aid. Drawing from three decades of experience—from a scrappy startup that became Water.org to managing a multi-million-dollar USAID contract—Davis reveals the shocking truth: the system designed to end poverty may be perpetuating it. She urges a radical rethink of how Global North outsiders approach social impact, starting with listening to the people closest to the problem.

We've been trying to change the world for a long time. It's time to change the way we do it.

©2026 Susan M. Davis (P)2026 Susan M. Davis

Thought-provoking and entertaining!

As someone who has spent my career thus far working to change the world, I’m so glad that Susan M. Davis has captured the good, bad, and hopeful of international development. This book, I think, is equally powerful for seasoned professionals who are a little jaded, but also—and more importantly—for young people facing the challenges of the world, who are newly wanting to make it better for the people living in it. In this book, Davis anchors personal—often very funny—stories in the larger context, and challenges readers/listeners to think about what could and should be done differently. She asks, is to learn from the mistakes of the past so inform the present and the future.

The audio—read by the author—is great-quality. It’s clear and a little quirky, and I laughed out loud several times during her read.

I highly recommend this book.