This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler

Cruel World – What happens when the West walks away?

Apr 3, 2025

In this discussion, humanitarian experts Jeremy Konyndyk, former USAID official and president of Refugees International, and Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive at ODI Global, unpack the alarming cuts to foreign aid by Western governments. They delve into the historical role of the U.S. in global aid, the shift from philanthropy to a transactional model, and the dire consequences for crisis-affected regions. The conversation highlights the urgent need for a reevaluation of the aid system to prevent long-term instability and address pressing global challenges.

44:47

Episode guests

Sara Pantuliano

Jeremy Konyndyk

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Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Drastic cuts to US foreign aid threaten vital humanitarian programs, increasing suffering and mortality in regions facing crises.

The shift towards a transactional model for aid undermines trust and effectiveness, potentially exacerbating global instability and conflicts.

Deep dives

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Intro

2min

Cuts to Humanitarian Aid and Their Global Consequences

4min

Cuts to U.S. Foreign Aid

17min

Shifts in Global Aid Dynamics: The Impact of Reduced Funding

4min

Evolving Humanitarian Aid Dynamics

9min

Challenges in Humanitarian Aid and Political Discourse

5min

Trump is dismantling USAID, pulling the rug on vital humanitarian aid and development funding, and countries across the West have followed suit in slashing foreign aid budgets.

To discuss the grim ramifications of Western governments turning their back on overseas aid, and what the world can do in response, Emma Beals talks to President of Refugees International Jeremy Konyndyk, and Sara Pantuliano, Chief Executive at ODI Global.

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Written and presented by Emma Beals. Produced by Robin Leeburn. Original theme music by Paul Hartnoll – https://www.orbitalofficial.com. Executive Producer Martin Bojtos. Group Editor Andrew Harrison. This Is Not A Drill is a Podmasters production.

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