Riskgaming

Americans are an incredibly generous people

Mar 1, 2025

Maany Peyvan, former Senior Director of Communications at USAID under Biden, dives into the pressing issues surrounding U.S. foreign aid. He argues for a shift from self-interest to a charitable lens in American policy, highlighting the importance of empathy and innovation in humanitarian efforts. The conversation covers the transformation of aid work through AI, the critical role of foreign aid in global health, and the cultural significance of America's generosity amidst social isolation. Peyvan emphasizes that a renewed commitment to global assistance is essential for future success.

33:47

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Maany Peyvan

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Quick takeaways

The dismantling of USAID has led to significant humanitarian challenges, highlighting the urgent need for American public support for foreign aid.

Emphasizing moral responsibility over self-interest can inspire greater public engagement and participation in humanitarian efforts globally.

Deep dives

Impact of USAID Dismantling

The dismantling of USAID under the Trump administration has significant implications for global humanitarian efforts. This closure has left numerous civil service workers and foreign nationals in turmoil, with many dependent on the vital aid provided by the agency. Personal accounts highlight the devastating consequences, such as children facing life-threatening illnesses and malnutrition due to the loss of critical support. Despite this bleak situation, there is a glimmer of hope as more Americans become aware of the agency's importance and express a desire to rebuild its legacy.

Intro

2min

The Vital Role of Foreign Aid

21min

Emerging Market Opportunities and Challenges for American Engagement

2min

The Urgent Need for Global Aid Resurgence

4min

Exploring American Generosity Amidst Social Isolation

4min

Amidst the upheaval in Washington, D.C. these days, one of the most notable and controversial decision from the second Trump administration has been the dismantling and closure of the United States Agency for International Development (or U.S.A.I.D.). In addition to funding humanitarian response and global public health initiatives (most notably with HIV/AIDS), the agency has prioritized governance programs all throughput the world. Traditionally, self-interest alone has proven sufficient for helping America’s current and future allies alike.

That’s no longer the case, according to Maany Peyvan, the former senior director of communications and policy at the agency under the Biden administration. He argues that instead of self-interest, we need to recast efforts to help other countries through the lens of charity, emphasizing America’s long-standing leadership as one of the most charitable nations in the world when public and private giving are added together.

We talk about the plight of U.S.A.I.D., what’s happening with the staff, why self-interest no longer has the same purchase over debates on foreign relations as it once did, how technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming aid work, and why grants and finance work side-by-side in helping countries succeed.

Produced by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Christopher Gates⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠George Ko