The Daily
The Demise of U.S.A.I.D. — and American Soft Power
Feb 11, 2025
Michael Crowley covers U.S. foreign policy and is joined by global health reporter Stephanie Nolen. They dive into the controversial dismantling of U.S.A.I.D. by the Trump administration, exploring its historical significance in American soft power. The conversation highlights the agency's successes and failures and underscores the dire consequences for global health initiatives and international relationships. They emphasize the growing influence of adversaries like China amid America's decreasing aid capabilities, raising alarms about the future of American humanitarian efforts.
33:52
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Quick takeaways
- The establishment of USAID in 1961 aimed to counter Soviet influence through strategic foreign aid, promoting American ideals globally.
- The recent dismantling of USAID under President Trump risks undermining American soft power and allows rival nations to expand their influence.
Deep dives
The Foundation and Purpose of USAID
USAID was established in 1961 by President John F. Kennedy as a strategic response to Cold War dynamics, aiming to promote American influence and national security rather than purely humanitarian interests. Kennedy viewed foreign aid as essential for countering the Soviet Union's appeal in developing nations, believing that demonstrating American altruism would foster goodwill and deter countries from turning toward communism. As a result, USAID’s initiatives included building infrastructure, providing education, and bolstering economic development to encourage non-communist ideologies. This foundation set the stage for a bipartisan acceptance of USAID's role in American foreign policy for decades.
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