ODI were working with the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) on this DFID funded project. The study aimed to provide a fleshed-out framework for interpreting the inter-relation between aid-dependency (or resource-dependency), politics and budget institutions, in order to provide a basis for improved assessments on the opportunities for reform and for increased aid effectiveness in different countries. It complements that with a thorough assessment of existing data sources which can be used for cross-country analysis and comparative research, with direct policy implications for understanding the politics of budget reforms and budget support, especially in the African context.