Noam Unger, the Director of the CSIS Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative, delves into the precarious state of USAID and its implications for U.S. foreign policy. He discusses a recent executive order that halted foreign assistance, causing confusion within the agency. Unger highlights how the agency is crucial for global health and humanitarian efforts, emphasizing potential geopolitical risks posed by its operational decline. The conversation also covers the interplay of USAID with emerging powers like China and Russia, alongside evolving foreign assistance strategies.
The recent executive order halting USAID's foreign assistance has created significant operational turmoil and administrative challenges within the agency.
The potential dismantling of USAID threatens U.S. global influence and may push vulnerable nations to seek support from rival powers like China and Russia.
Deep dives
Impact of the Executive Order on USAID
An executive order signed by the president has halted all foreign assistance for a 90-day review period, unexpectedly freezing existing assistance, which has caused significant confusion and chaos within USAID. The immediate effect of this order was not only a pause on new obligations but also a stop work order that forced many leaders and staff to be placed on administrative leave. This abrupt action has created turmoil, particularly because USAID's role in foreign assistance is critical, often requiring specialized knowledge to navigate complex regulations and operational challenges on a global scale. With approximately 10,000 staff members needing to return to the U.S., embassies must now focus on addressing the implications of this halt instead of their regular duties.
The Significance of USAID in U.S. Foreign Policy
USAID serves as a vital projection of American foreign policy and values, establishing partnerships with various organizations to execute international programs that promote health, education, and humanitarian assistance globally. Its efforts, often referred to as soft power, demonstrate the U.S. commitment to international development and stability, which is essential in areas affected by conflict or humanitarian crises. Furthermore, USAID works alongside the U.S. military in regions like Iraq and Afghanistan, emphasizing the integration of soft and hard power in American foreign policy. The agency is instrumental in providing significant public health interventions, such as the prevention and treatment of diseases like AIDS and malaria, potentially saving millions of lives.
Consequences of Reducing USAID's Role
The potential dismantling of USAID may result in the loss of a crucial tool for U.S. global engagement, especially in the context of rising competition with nations like China and Russia. Without USAID's developmental programs, there is a risk that countries in need may turn to these adversarial nations, undermining U.S. influence and support in key regions. Moreover, closing foreign outposts will likely exacerbate national security risks by diminishing U.S. capability to tackle transnational challenges such as pandemics and drug trafficking. As USAID typically focuses on building stable communities and infrastructure, its absence could lead to heightened instability, increased migration pressures, and greater vulnerabilities for U.S. interests abroad.
Noam Unger, director of the CSIS Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative, joins the podcast to discuss the dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and potential geopolitical or national security impacts that could follow.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
