Aid to foreign countries is essential to help maintain stability and reduce poverty in countries that are struggling to achieve those goals on their own. However, foreign aid also benefits the United States: it increases national security, can expand the U.S. economy and help develop a relationship with a strategic ally.

Globally, each year the United States gives about $30 billion in foreign aid, a seemingly large number that actually amounts to only about 1 percent of the federal budget. Argentina is one recipient of money allotted in that budget, and there are numerous U.S. benefits from foreign aid to Argentina. In 2016, U.S. agencies gave $2.6 million in aid to Argentina, with half of the money coming from the Department of State.

According to the Department of State, U.S. foreign aid to Argentina works to increase stability and democracy, as well as increase support for non-proliferation and border security. Through aid and U.S. officials, the United States has established programs to train law enforcement and justice officials in Argentina. These programs increase Argentina’s ability to promote shared security interests, which is a benefit to the U.S.

The U.S. government is also working with Argentina to focus on peacekeeping and disaster preparedness. Further agreements between the countries are working to increase the shared knowledge between the U.S. and Argentina to improve security. These programs will enhance stability in Argentina and the broader region, and increase both travel security and border security in Argentina.

In addition to government aid, many United States corporations invest in Argentina’s businesses, making the U.S. the largest foreign investor in Argentina. These investments benefit the United States, as the U.S. is the second largest export destination for goods from Argentina. Argentina’s top exports include soybeans and corn, while top U.S. imports from Argentina include mineral fuel and oil, wine, food and aluminum. In the five years prior to 2016, exports of Argentina increased by more than 2 percent annually. The U.S. benefits from foreign aid to Argentina by importing a greater quantity of those goods.

On top of increased imports, U.S. corporations with business interests in Argentina employ more than 150,000 people across more than 500 companies. Both the United States and Argentina have goals of sustainable and balanced economic growth. To achieve those goals, the countries are working together through the help of U.S. investments and held the first meeting between the two governments on that topic in 2016.

Additionally, United States foreign aid to Argentina will help increase renewable energy technologies. Specific focuses are on changing and optimizing energy markets and integrating renewables into the existing power grid. Working to increase clean energy sources in Argentina will help achieve global goals of reducing harmful carbon emissions, a goal that is beneficial to all people regardless of national identity.

Cooperation between the U.S. and Argentina is vital in achieving global goals for the United States. The U.S. benefits from foreign aid to Argentina by maintaining a relationship that helps people of both countries and grows both economies, which leads to an overall more stable world.

– Hayley Herzog

Photo: Flickr