The Role and Function of USAID

USAID is positioned as a vital institution in the U.S. government, initially intended to facilitate humanitarian aid and advance American foreign policy. However, it operates as a channel for carrying out covert activities that might otherwise be constrained by more rigorous oversight applicable to agencies like the CIA or State Department. The agency's operations often involve funding institutions rather than directly aiding individuals, allowing it to influence foreign governments and societies under the guise of altruism. This creates a complex dynamic where actions taken by USAID can blur the lines between humanitarian assistance and geopolitical maneuvering.