Jacobin Radio Confronting Capitalism: Don’t Cry for USAID
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Feb 26, 2025 
Vivek Chibber, a sociology professor at NYU and editor of Catalyst, dives deep into the role of USAID in U.S. foreign policy. He reveals how the agency, often seen as a humanitarian force, serves as a tool for expanding American influence. Chibber discusses USAID's controversial involvement in Vietnam, the duality of its actions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the ethical implications of its operations. He advocates for a reevaluation of foreign aid, urging a more humanitarian and multilateral approach to truly serve affected communities.
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USAID's Origins and Purpose
- USAID, created in 1961 by Kennedy, aimed to guide development in the Global South, aligning it with U.S. interests.
- Though ostensibly under the State Department, its charter mandates aligning aid with U.S. foreign policy.
Soft Power and Its Limitations
- Soft power, often touted as distinct from hard power, seeks to elicit voluntary cooperation rather than forced compliance.
- However, this distinction blurs as soft power often involves aligning interests through bribery and supporting favorable political factions.
USAID in Vietnam
- In Vietnam, USAID's involvement extended beyond aid, encompassing rural pacification, strategic hamlet programs, and police training.
- The Office of Public Safety (OPS) within USAID actively participated in counterinsurgency efforts, including the notorious Operation Phoenix.