"Of course, Third World leaders love you. By ascribing third world ills to First World sins, you absolve them of blame for their countries' failure to advance"

This quote by John McCarthy is describing the tendency of some First World leaders to blame the absence of development in Third World countries on the actions of the First World. This absolves Third World leaders of any obligation for their nations' failure to progress. McCarthy is implying that Third World leaders enjoy to accept this story, as it enables them to avoid any criticism or accountability for their own imperfections. This quote highlights the significance of recognizing the agency of Third World leaders and the function they play in their countries' development. It also works as a suggestion that the First World should not fast to blame itself for the lack of progress in the Third World, as this can be a type of paternalism.