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.
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insights INSIGHT
USAID's Cold War Origins
USAID's creation wasn't solely humanitarian.
It aimed to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War by showcasing American benevolence.
question_answer ANECDOTE
The Ugly American
Kennedy urged associates to read "The Ugly American".
This book depicted out-of-touch US diplomats, prompting Kennedy to prioritize a more helpful image.
insights INSIGHT
USAID's Post-Cold War Purpose
The Cold War's end challenged USAID's purpose.
However, 9/11 revived it, focusing on combating terrorism through stability promotion.
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Published in 1958, 'The Ugly American' is a political novel that critiques American foreign policy and diplomatic efforts in Southeast Asia. The book, through a series of vignettes, highlights the incompetence and arrogance of many American diplomats and foreign service workers, contrasting them with a few dedicated and effective individuals like Homer Atkins, the 'Ugly American.' Atkins, an engineer, works closely with local people, understands their needs, and implements simple yet effective solutions. The novel led to significant political implications, including a congressional review of foreign aid and influencing the establishment of the Peace Corps during the Kennedy administration.
Warning: This episode contains strong language.
As President Trump demolishes the government’s biggest provider of foreign aid, the United States Agency for International Development, he is ending a 60-year bipartisan consensus about the best way to keep America safe from its enemies.
Michael Crowley, who covers U.S. foreign policy, and Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times, discuss the rise and fall of U.S.A.I.D. — and American soft power.
Guests: Michael Crowley, a reporter covering the State Department and U.S. foreign policy for The New York Times; and Stephanie Nolen, a global health reporter for The New York Times.
Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
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