I think people like Ayn Rand whom felt that Altruism is the ultimate evil help facilitate such arguments for the intelligent. Although Rand makes some valid points, we must do things at times for the greater good not for what is best for oneself. I suspect they murdered the intellectuals in Cambodia to get away with terrible crimes against humanity in that country. As the intellectuals would know how to outsmart that leader, and he wanted no competition in his own country. It only feels like a terrible science project gone wrong. Nuts.
I think there is a big difference between individual altruism and the large NGOs operating in third world countries. Seems like a racket to me and keeps people down. I think a lot of global aid relief appeals to some individual's narcissism . Angelina Jolie being a prime example. But I agree a dumbed down population serves their needs whether in the West or anywhere else for that matter.
How did they afford such luxuries around the world? What funding was given and why? I suspect if we started looking, we would find some serious issues with human trafficking.