State and Local Officials Newsletter |
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Foreign Aid and U.S. Economic Engagement |
State and local governments hold a unique position in the evolving landscape of global development and U.S. foreign aid to countries in need across the globe. They must often balance priorities that benefit local economies while remaining globally engaged and responsive. This issue of the State and Local Officials Newsletter highlights resources from CFR.org, ForeignAffairs.com, and ThinkGlobalHealth.org, to provide background and analysis on recent developments in U.S. foreign aid and investments to help inform the policy decisions best suited for your states, counties, and cities. A curated selection of resources follow below.
We look forward to your continued participation in the CFR State and Local Officials initiative and to your feedback on how we can better support the work you are doing. Please email us at stateandlocal@cfr.org.
Best regards,
Irina A. Faskianos
Vice President, National Program and Outreach |
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The History and Future of U.S. Foreign Aid |
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This CFR meeting featured Syracuse University’s Margaret E. Talev, former USAID Administrator Gayle E. Smith, former CEO of InterAction Sam Worthington, former Florida Congressman Ted Yoho, in conversation about the last century of aid’s successes and failures. Watch on CFR.org »
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U.S. Soft Power: Next Steps After Withdrawal |
Experts debate whether the concept of “soft power” maintains relevancy in a world of America First. Stephanie Psaki, senior fellow at the Brown University School of Public Health, and former U.S. National Security Council coordinator for global health security, argues in this Think Global Health article, that putting America first does not mean putting other nations last.
Read more on ThinkGlobalHealth.org » |
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American Views on Economic Leadership
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CFR’s RealEcon Initiative travelled across the United States to listen to Americans about their thoughts on the U.S. role in the global economy. CFR’s Matthew P. Goodman and Allison J. Smith write about the shifting views of the American economy, foreign assistance, and globalization from what they heard on the road. Explore on CFR.org »
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From Peril to Partnership |
Director of the William J. Perry Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, Paul J. Angelo, explains the legacy of U.S. security assistance to Colombia and Mexico, helping to chart a course toward more nuanced and effective American defense aid. | | |
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U.S. Cuts to Ukraine’s Foreign Aid Hit Health Workforce |
As the largest recipient of U.S. foreign aid during the Biden administration, Ukraine faces an uncertain future. Critical sectors, including health and civil services, now struggle to find support after a $1.4 billion cut. This Think Global Health piece explores the on-the-ground outcomes and what future humanitarian responses might look like.
Read more on ThinkGlobalHealth.org » |
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Africa’s Quiet Response to U.S. Realignment |
Michelle D. Gavin, CFR’s Ralph Bunche senior fellow for Africa policy studies, discusses African leaders’ muted response to the end of American aid. The lack of outrage may indicate the failure of past aid programs and signal the future of development in Africa. Read more on ThinkGlobalHealth.org »
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Are you part of a delegation traveling abroad? |
CFR can provide briefings for state and local officials and their staff in advance of international trips. Email stateandlocal@cfr.org to request a dedicated session with a CFR expert in the region or country to which your group is traveling or on a topic of regional interest.
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Funding the United Nations: How Much Does the U.S. Pay? |
Debates on U.S. foreign aid and UN participation often assert unequal American economic support compared to partner nations, yet recent cuts have targeted only certain UN agencies and programs. This backgrounder explores the reality of the UN’s funding sources, how much the United States contributes, and where its biggest contributions do—and do not—go. Read more on CFR.org » |
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USAID’s Demise Is an Opportunity |
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The reversal of nearly all federal foreign aid shocked key players in the international development industry, but some were already skeptical of the industry’s efficacy. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Zainab Usman writes about the disruption of aid flows and the resulting realignment of investment strategies. Read more on ForeignAffairs.com »
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Thomas J. Bollyky is CFR’s inaugural Bloomberg Chair in Global Health; senior fellow for international economics, law, and development; and director of the global health program. He is a senior consultant to the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and the founding editor of Think Global Health.
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Ebenezer Obadare is CFR’s Douglas Dillon senior fellow for Africa studies. He is an expert on civil society and the state, and religion and politics in Africa. He most recently authored Pastoral Power, Clerical State, and his next book, The Nigerian Century, is forthcoming.
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