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Information and news about foreign policy

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An Overview of USAID

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The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created in 1961 by The Foreign Assistance Act, which established a separate administration for non-military foreign aid. This consolidated the many separate foreign aid organizations within the US government at the time into one effective agency.

USAID advocates for making international aid the focus of foreign policy.  Under President Truman, foreign policy had two goals:  creating new markets for U.S. exports by relieving global poverty and helping countries prosper through capitalism. Later, in the 1970s, USAID shifted its focus to basic human needs: food security, health, education, jobs and resource management.

Today, USAID focuses on creating sustainable markets, transitioning countries into democracies and rebuilding former areas of conflict. USAID works mainly through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and diversified aid packages.  Food security, economic growth, education, environmental protection, gender equality, health, innovation, sanitation and conflict management are at the forefront of US foreign policy.  All these factors go into creating sustainable trade partners and positive political relations.

USAID’s $20.4 billion funding comes directly from the U.S. government.  Of this, only about $1.35 billion is spent on operating costs.  The rest of the funding goes to “bilateral assistance” provided to countries and regions in need.  Afghanistan is the largest recipient of US economic assistance at $2.24 billion, followed by Pakistan with $970 million.

Past successes include family planning, immunization programs, improved farming techniques and booming energy sectors in developing countries.  Life expectancy in the developing world has increased by 33 percent, immunizations have eliminated smallpox, and infant and child death rates have decreased by 50 percent in the developing world.  HIV/AIDS education and prevention has been a major focus of USAID, with programs set up in 32 countries.  Meanwhile, 1.3 billion people have access to safe drinking water thanks to USAID-led UN Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade.

– Stephanie Lamm

Sources: USAID History, USAID Sites
Photo: Business Week

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5 Quotes about Diplomacy

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Tool of war or a path to peace? Art of compromise or art of deceit? Over the years, diplomacy has been viewed in many different ways. Below are quotes about diplomacy from five famous individuals, who each had their an opinion on diplomacy and its role in international relations.

 

5 Inspirational Quotes about Diplomacy

 

  1. “Diplomacy: the art of restraining power.” – Henry Kissinger, 56th U.S. Secretary of State, U.S. National Security Advisor and winner of the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize
  1. “Part of diplomacy is to open different definitions of self-interest.”- Hillary Clinton, 67th U.S. Secretary of State, former New York senator and former First Lady
  1. “Diplomacy is the art of telling people to go to hell in such a way that they ask for directions.”- Winston Churchill, U.K. Prime Minister during World War II and recipient of the 1953 Nobel Prize for Literature
  1. “The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”- Sun Tzu, Chinese general and author of “The Art of War”
  1. “To say nothing, especially when speaking, is half the art of diplomacy.”- Will Durant, author, philosopher and historian

–  Jordanna Packtor

 

Read global poverty quotes

Sources: Brainy Quote, Good Reads, HISTORY.com, Encyclopedia Britannica, Nobelprize.org
Photo: History Today

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What is the OECD?

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What is the OECD?

In short: OECD stands for Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. It is an international economic organization whose mission is to “promote policies that will improve the economic and social well-being of people around the world.”

A little more detail: In the beginning, the OECD was actually named the OEEC – the Organization for European Economic Co-operation. It was founded in April of 1948, with 18 original European participants. The first and original principles of the OEEC were as follows: “Promote cooperation between participating countries and their national production programs for the reconstruction of Europe; Develop intra-European trade by reducing tariffs and other barriers to the expansion of trade; Study the feasibility of creating a customs union or free trade area; Study multi-lateralization of payments; and Achieve conditions for better utilization of labor.”

In 1961, the OEEC became the OECD, and membership was extended to non-European countries. Most OECD members are regarded as “developed countries” with a high human development index. To this day, according to Pierre Tristam at about.com, the OECD remains one of the most cited sources for “economic data and information” because the organization keeps vast databases and “conducts some of the world’s most authoritative analyses and studies on the world economy.”

The OECD said that it provides a forum in which countries can work together to “seek solutions to common problems.” The organization aims to identify good practices and to coordinate “domestic and international policies.” It is committed to democracy and a sustainable market economy. Some of these good practices include taxes and social security, leisure time, school systems and “pension systems” that look after country’s elderly citizens, since the OECD tries to look at issues “that directly affect the lives of ordinary people.”

Its reach extends to the environment, the economy and social issues. The OECD is committed to helping the lives of ordinary people, thus making life harder for those “whose actions undermine a fair and open society,” such as terrorists, unethical businessmen and tax evaders.

The OECD promotes policies designed:

“To achieve the highest sustainable economic growth and employment and a rising standard of living in Member countries, while maintaining financial stability, and thus to contribute to the development of the world economy; to contribute to sound economic expansion in Member as well as nonmember countries in the process of economic development; and to contribute to the expansion of world trade on a multilateral, nondiscriminatory basis in accordance with international obligations.”

As of 2013, the OECD has 34 active member countries, including the United States, and “is in accession talks with the Russian Federation.”

– Alycia Rock

Sources: OECD: About, OECD: Report 2013, Middle East About, OECD
Photo: CIB

India’s energy sector gets a $100 million boost from USAID

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India, the fourth-largest consumer of energy worldwide, is showing the rest of the world how to eradicate energy poverty by looking skyward towards the sun.

A recent USAID announcement plans to invest $100 million towards renewable energy in India, which, coupled with the country’s National Action Plan on Climate Change, will make a solid dent in shrinking India’s energy gap.

The announcement came as U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, visited India for the first time. During a speech, Secretary Kerry urged Indian officials to cut greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously maintaining its commitment to end poverty. Mr. Kerry stated, “The worst consequences of the climate crisis will confront people who are the least able to be able to cope with them.”

Energy poverty in India is a major concern–over 300 million people function off the grid and another 700 million rely on sporadic service. The blackout that occurred in northern India in July 2012, which darkened the country for two days and disrupted service for 620 million people (nine percent of the world’s population), underscored this reality. Policymakers took note.

As a result, the Indian government is intensely pursuing a diverse portfolio of sustainable energy options, with the primary focus on solar power.

The government’s primary solar initiative, known as “Solar India,” aims to commission 20,000 megawatts of grid-connected solar power projects by 2022. Considering the current installed capacity for solar energy in India is just below 1,700 megawatts, this is an ambitious plan.

The $100 million USAID investment marks the first time USAID is partnering with a private investment fund, Nereus Capital’s India Alternative Energy Fund, to facilitate an investment. One of the expressed goals of the investment is to make India more attractive to U.S. energy entrepreneurs by lowering the barriers to entry and building the infrastructure needed to get started.

The investment could create as much as 300-400 additional megawatts of new energy capacity. Three to four hundred additional megawatts might not sound like a lot considering that India’s carbon emissions are projected to increase 60 percent by 2030, but every little bit helps. Each new megawatt of sustainable energy generated represents a seismic shift towards an India where energy availability for all of its citizens is the rule, not the exception.

With pressure coming from the U.S. Department of State and the timely announcement of the USAID investment, the time for India’s energy sector to expand its use of clean energy is now.

– Aaron Faust

Sources: USAID, Center for Climate Energy Solutions, NY Times, Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission, International Finance Corporation

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Access to Clean Water and Sanitation, Water for the World

Congressmen Ted Poe (R-TX) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) recently introduced an important piece of legislation that may drastically improve the opportunity for every person in the developing world to access to clean water, toilets, and better hygiene practices.

The Water for the World Act of 2013, introduced by these two congressmen, is a bill that is trying to ensure that the world’s abject poor receive the attention they need from the United States in the attempt to seek improvements in clean water access and hygiene. It is important to note that this act does not seek to create new agencies or programs, but to improve the efficiency of existing programs. The emphasis is not on higher dollar amounts, but more strategic approaches in trying to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people.

Worldwide water sanitation holds important implications for those suffering in precarious conditions, as well as the global economy. The World Bank notes that water sanitation and hygiene programs are a great return on investment: For every $1 spent, $4 is returned in economic productivity, which contributes greatly to the world economy. If people do not have to worry about access to clean water, they can spend more time becoming educated, caring for their families, and contributing to both their economy and the worldwide economy. This would amount to over $220 billion being added to international trade each year.

Improvements in water sanitation, access, and hygiene that the Water for the World Act will try to effect will also significantly reduce transmissions of diseases such as pneumonia. Indirectly, rates of education will improve, as less people worldwide will suffer from malnutrition and diarrheal disease due to dirty water. As literacy rates increase, the rising middle class in developing countries will fight for more transparent and accountable governments. More responsible governance around the world is a key objective of U.S. foreign policy, but it cannot ever be realized if world populations are without access to clean water and sanitation.

Global water, sanitation, and hygiene programs currently constitute less than 1% of the budget of the United States Agency for International Development. Due to the bipartisan leadership of Poe and Blumenauer, their act will place a greater focus on enhancing the capacity of the U.S. government to provide for the world’s poorest, a much needed shift in policy which will stretch this 1% to help more people around the world.

– Rahul Shah

Sources: Huffington Post, WASH Advocates, USAid

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Global Poverty and US Foreign Policy

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Defense, Diplomacy, and Development. These are the “three D’s” that the United States employs while dealing with other countries. While each brings a number of strengths and weaknesses, one must be the central focus of American foreign policy. This approach is development. By improving standards of living abroad, Americans not only improve the lives of others, but they improve their own lives. Through actions that work to increase development in foreign nations, the United States improves its national security, enhances its economy, improves the environment, and fulfills an ethical responsibility in working to eliminate poverty completely.

By ending global poverty, the United States enhances its national security. According to national security strategy documents employed by both the Bush and Obama administrations, the largest threats that the United States will be facing over the next two decades come “less from conquering states than from failing ones.” It is the failing states that likely lack the financial capital to construct sovereign governments or build strong economies. It is also within these fragile states that corruption and extremism can take hold due to a lack of effective governance. If left unchecked, these states can develop into a threat for other nations. By developing failed states into nations that can effectively rule over their own population and help foster construction of functional economies, the United States reduces the likelihood of having to deal with a conflict that emerged from a failed state’s internal disorder.

In addition to improving national security, ending global poverty improves the American economy. The United States has $500 billion invested in developing countries. Working to increase economic output in developing nations allows for higher returns on those investments while improving the standard of living for those who reside within those nations. As more people in the world earn higher wages, they can then afford to buy more expensive American goods. Ending global poverty, therefore, not only improves the lives of those abroad, but it also improves the lives of Americans.

Yet another advantage of ending global poverty is reducing the toll that humans put on the environment. In many impoverished areas, access to clean and green technologies is not economically feasible. Ending global poverty allows for improved access to these ecologically-friendly technologies. By enhancing standards of living, those living in developing nations are able to use cleaner technologies to fulfill their energy needs. These cleaner technologies can help reduce carbon emissions from developing nations, which improves the lives of everyone worldwide.

Finally, ending global poverty is an ethical action that the United States has the capability to accomplish. The United Nations has stated that extreme poverty can be eliminated completely by the year 2030. The United States, as the largest economic power in the world, can help contribute to this cause by aiding in the development process that needs to take place. By continuing to provide funds to developing nations, and by supporting economic growth in these areas, the United States can help make poverty history.

Ultimately, the goal of ending global poverty should be the primary focus of United States foreign policy. Working to end global poverty improves American national security by creating stability in foreign nations. It also improves the American economy by increasing the purchasing power of people abroad, providing them with the capability purchase American goods. Additionally, improved purchasing power provides people in foreign countries with improved access to cleaner technologies, which will help reduce the global impact of humans on the environment. And finally, working to end global poverty is an ethical action that the United States has the power to carry out. Improving standards of living abroad not only benefits Americans, but it benefits the entire globe. By working to end global hunger, the United States will help make poverty a thing of the past.

– Jordan Kline

Sources: Wilson Center, US News and World Report, The Guardian
Photo: Foreign Policy

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InterAction 101

InterAction
InterAction is an alliance of 180 U.S.-based international organizations, predominantly NGOs, which work around the world to aid the poor. InterAction brings these organizations together to capitalize on their collective resources, mobilize members, and serve as the premiere thought leader in the NGO community. InterAction’s mission is to eliminate extreme poverty, uphold human rights, safeguard a sustainable planet, and ensure human dignity for poor and vulnerable populations.

InterAction is the largest coalition of NGOs in the United States. Through collaboration and transparency, InterAction partners support one another. According to Samuel Worthington, president and CEO of InterAction, “As development shifts toward multi-stakeholder partnerships, U.S. international NGOs are an important ally to reduce suffering and combat global poverty. The many participants in development aid bring different perspectives to the table and use varying means to achieve their goals. Many of these approaches complement each other; but to ensure efficient and flexible development programs, governments, NGOs, and the private sector must build effective partnerships.” In addition, InterAction holds their partners accountable, not only to donors, but also to the general public. Upon membership with InterAction, partner organization are held to high standards of accountability and compliance with international aid effectiveness.

InterAction’s programs focus on international development, accountability, humanitarian action, and policy and action.

International Development: Programs related to international development are intended to uphold the standards of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and aid effectiveness principles. Such programs require participation from the private sector, governments, and citizens. One program, Post-2015, has studied the effectiveness of the MDGs and offered suggestions to the United Nations as to what should be done after 2015 to address extreme poverty.

Accountability & Learning: Programs related to Accountability and Learning empower citizens, governments and NGOs with up-to-date data related to program effectiveness and scope. InterAction believes that, by empowering citizens and NGOs with transparent and easily-accessible data, they can improve NGO programs and ultimately make them more efficient. Such programs include NGO mapping, PVO standards, and regular monitoring & evaluation.

Humanitarian Action: InterAction’s Humanitarian Action programs are guided by the principles of human dignity, neutrality, independence and impartiality. Without taking into account race, gender, ethnicity or political affiliation, humanitarian efforts can save lives and alleviate poverty. InterAction supports NGO humanitarian work by offering a framework for consultation, coordination and advocacy in such situations. In the past, InterAction partners have responded to crises on the Ivory Coast, Liberia, and the Horn of Africa. In June, InterAction pledged to invest $750 million in nutrition programs over the next five years. The program focuses on the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life in which they are most vulnerable from malnutrition. InterAction estimates that for every dollar invested, $138 will be generated from improved health and increased productivity.

Policy & Advocacy: In addition, InterAction supports the policy and advocacy efforts of their partner NGOs by encouraging substantial US government investment in humanitarian aid. InterAction’s lobbyists and policy experts advocate for Budget and Appropriations, Foreign Assistance Reform, Development Policy and G8/G20. One such campaign, known as Not Just Numbers, seeks to counter the recent budget cuts to the State, Foreign Operations (SFOPs) bill. The bill, which was recently unveiled in the House of Representatives, cuts Foreign Aid by 15% from 40.1% to only 34.1%. The social media campaign, which can be found at #NotJustNumbers, seeks to get the Senate foreign aid fund allocation higher than it has been proposed in the House.

– Kelsey Ziomek

Sources: InterAction ThousandDays.org Post2015hlp.org

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5 Military Quotes About Global Poverty

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Though the United States devotes roughly $660 billion a year to the military to protect the U.S. from its enemies, influential military leaders have spoken out about the efficacy of foreign aid and diplomacy, rather than military action, for improving national security. Military action is unavoidable in some circumstances, but a rising number of high-ranking military officials are beginning to back an increased budget for foreign aid. Listed below are 5 quotes from military and intelligence officials about the power of aid in relieving global poverty.

  1. “In many respects, USAID’s efforts can do as much over the long term to prevent conflict as the deterrent effect of a carrier strike group or a marine expeditionary force.” – Lieutenant General John Allen, Commander of U.S. Forces in Afghanistan
  2. “Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.” – Robert Gates, Former Secretary of Defense
  3. “To truly end the threat from al-Qaeda, military force aimed at killing our enemy alone will never be enough. The United States must stay involved and invested through diplomacy, through development, through education, through trade in those regions of the world where violent extremism has flourished.”- Leon Panetta, Former Secretary of Defense
  4. “Robust resourcing for the State Department’s mission is one of the best investments for reducing the need for military forces to be employed. Together, our military leaders and our diplomats not only represent a symbol of America’s enduring commitment to the region, but they also build trust through partnerships that have an important stabilizing effect when trouble looms.” – General James N. Mattis, Commander, U.S. Central Command
  5. “Our enemies today are not as cut and dry as they were in the Cold War. Conditions in the world such as grinding poverty, pandemic disease and severe food insecurity serve as seeds from which extremism and instability can grow. By addressing these issues, we diffuse many of today’s national security threats and keep our troops out of harm’s way.” – General Michael Hagee, Retired Commandant of U.S. Marine Corps and Admiral James Loy, Retired Commandant of U.S. Coast Guard

– Katie Bandera

Sources: USGLC, The Borgen Project, Politico
Photo: Free republic, Politico, Washington Independent, Algemeiner

 

Read Humanitarian Quotes.

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Afghan Civilian Casualties Increase as Forces Withdraw

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The UN reports that Afghan civilian casualties are on the rise as international forces are phase out their military presence. This year, the war has caused 1,319 civilian deaths with 2,533 injured, which is a 23% increase in civilian violence compared to last year. Women and children have been affected disproportionately, with 38% more casualties this year.

The primary cause of civilian casualties continues to be IEDs, which have indiscriminately killed more children than any other demographic – 53% more than last year. Insurgents were responsible for 74% of all casualties this year, who are targeting civilians believed to be working in alignment with the government, and 12% of the casualties were incurred in fighting on the ground with 207 civilians counted dead in crossfire.

Foreign troops are scheduled to leave Afghanistan next year, leaving the Afghan army to assume control of the countries security. In places where international troops have withdrawn, insurgent attacks are on the rise. The reported increase in civilian casualties is being weighed by decision makers, who must consider how the Afghan troops can assume control of continuing the fight against extremists while protecting innocents from unnecessary violence.

– Jennifer Bills

Sources: Al Jazeera, Thomson Reuters Foundation
Photo: Anti War

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Obama Pledges $6.5 Billion for Electricity in Africa

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According to the International Energy Agency, all developing nations lack adequate access to electricity. This amounts to 1.3 billion people living in the dark worldwide. According to the same source, an investment of $1 trillion USD would be needed to remedy this. Currently, poverty and hunger take center stage. Food is of more use to a starving child than is a night light, but Westerners often take for granted how valuable the power of light can be to a community in poverty.

Not only does electricity make lives easier on a personal level, it helps to mechanize farming operations, which can be a great boost to a company’s agricultural productivity. Natural disasters often become less deadly when people are warned about them ahead of time, which can be accomplished with electric monitoring systems. Socially, populations are less marginalized with improved means of communication and information.

President Barack Obama said during his recent trip to South Africa, “Access to electricity is fundamental to opportunity in this age. It’s the light that children study by, the energy that allows an idea to be transformed into a real business. It’s the lifeline for families to meet their most basic needs, and it’s the connection that’s needed to plug Africa into the grid of the global economy.” President Obama then pledged almost $7 billion USD to help provide electricity for Africa.

The White House stated that The Export-Import Bank will carry most of the financial weight of the program, donating $5 billion, and the U.S. Oversees Private Investment Corporation will provide another $1.5 billion.

The funds will go toward preventing the frequent blackouts that plague the Sub-Saharan part of the continent, as well as helping the 85% percent of people in the region without electricity gain access to it. Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Liberia, Nigeria, Tanzania and Mozambique will be the first countries to benefit from the program as it is developed at preliminary stages.

The investment is a great step toward solving the problem, but in all, Africa alone will need $300 billion to achieve universal electricity by 2030. The Alliance for Rural Electrification, a non-government organization, is another ally in combating this issue. As champions of universal electrification, ARE focuses on renewable energy such as solar, which much of Africa is a strong candidate for. This is especially relevant for areas that are geographically isolated where extending the reach of an existing power grid is not feasible.

– Samantha Mauney

Source: ARE, Scientific American, CNN
Photo: Business Insider