Angry Planet The End of U.S. Soft Power
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Feb 10, 2025 Nicole Widdersheim, Deputy Washington director of Human Rights Watch with a rich background in humanitarian efforts, discusses the precarious state of U.S. soft power as USAID faces potential dismantling. She highlights the history and significance of USAID in foreign policy, its struggles against budget cuts, and the long-term effects on global food security and human rights advocacy. Widdersheim also critiques the American public's apathy toward the human cost of foreign aid and reflects on the implications of competition from China's Belt and Road Initiative.
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USAID as Soft Power
- USAID serves as a soft power tool, advancing US foreign policy and national security interests.
- It's a cost-effective alternative to military intervention or extensive diplomatic efforts.
Unintended Consequences of USAID Cuts
- USAID's abrupt funding cuts stopped essential HIV drug supplies, impacting over 250,000 babies.
- This chaotic approach mirrors criticisms of the Biden administration's Afghanistan withdrawal.
Framing USAID's Value
- Supporters of USAID need to articulate its practical benefits, not just its humanitarian value.
- Focus on the strategic advantages and cost-effectiveness for US interests.