Jacobin Radio
Confronting Capitalism: Don’t Cry for USAID
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.
37:53
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Quick takeaways
- USAID, while portrayed as a humanitarian agency, often serves U.S. geopolitical interests, intertwining soft and hard power strategies.
- The agency's operations have historically prioritized contractor profits over genuine aid, leading to concerns about effectiveness and accountability in humanitarian efforts.
Deep dives
Origins and Objectives of USAID
USAID was established in 1961 under President John Kennedy, aimed at supporting development efforts, particularly in the Global South, with an emphasis on Latin America. The agency sought to promote political stability and economic growth as a means to counter the influence of communism during the Cold War. Although presented as an independent agency, its charter mandated that its activities align closely with American foreign policy objectives. Consequently, USAID was tasked with distributing aid to fulfill these goals, often collaborating with NGOs and private organizations to implement projects ostensibly aimed at infrastructure and health improvements.
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