MFAN Principal Jim Kunder on Development and National Security

By: Staff Person
May 27, 2010

When evaluating the national security of the Atlantic nations, a strong defense clearly counts; an active diplomacy counts; and, equally clearly, reducing poverty, enhancing democratic participation, and providing hope for the future – which go by the name “international development” – also counts. London’s newly created National Security Council reflects all foreign policy elements of national security. It’s time for similar clarity in Washington.

MFAN Principal Hosts Hernando de Soto

By: Staff Person
May 26, 2010

MFAN Principal, former USAID Administrator, and current dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs J. Brian Atwood hosted renowned Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto as part of the University of Minnesota’s “Great Conversations” series last week.  You can listen to the conversation here.  De Soto’s perspective on the global economic crisis and the importance of … Continue reading MFAN Principal Hosts Hernando de Soto

MFAN Partner Comments on Upcoming Release of National Security Strategy

By: Staff Person
May 26, 2010

The release of the new strategy should also tee up long-awaited announcements about the outcome of the Presidential Study Directive on U.S. Global Development Policy (PSD) and the findings of the State-USAID Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR). Let’s hope the 2010 National Security Strategy gets the development policy ball rolling.”

Relying on the Kindness of Others: A Risky Partner-Building Strategy

By: Staff Person
May 13, 2010

In a recent Stimson Center blog post on national security spending, Laura A. Hall and Gordon Adams examine military and civilian roles in a variety of areas such as post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction and conflict prevention. “In the last 10 years, DoD has expanded its mission and resources to fill the gaps it perceives in civilian capabilities. Even DoD cites the importance of the vastly less expensive and more effective civilian solutions in areas like post-conflict stabilization. So why does DoD find an empty space to fill? There are a variety of political answers: Congressional mistrust of civilian departments, insufficient Administration leadership, uncertainty about overseas nation building. Yet most important is that Congress finds it far easier to fund the military due to a sense of military competence and a commitment to providing whatever is necessary for ‘defense’ activities.”

USAID Launches IMPACTblog

By: Staff Person
May 13, 2010

“We want to let people know about the work we do…our successes, our failures, and how we learn always to do better. I hope this will be a place where you can get to know the thousands of development entrepreneurs who make up USAID’s talented staff, the work of our partners, and the beneficiaries of America’s support around the world.”

Sec. Clinton Speaks at CARE National Conference

By: Staff Person
May 11, 2010

MFAN Partner CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting poverty worldwide, is holding its National Conference and Celebration today and tomorrow in Washington, DC.  The conference is an opportunity for CARE supporters to meet and discuss issues affecting global poverty, as well as a call to action for Congress and the Obama Administration to prioritize these … Continue reading Sec. Clinton Speaks at CARE National Conference

Michelle Obama Applauds USAID Employees at Town Hall

By: Staff Person
May 7, 2010

First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama appeared at this week’s U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) town hall meeting to recognize and give thanks to agency employees and the work they do on behalf of millions around the world.

State Department Authorization Passes out of SFRC

By: Staff Person
April 30, 2010

On Wednesday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed the State Department Authorization Bill, S.2971, by voice vote – the first State authorization bill to pass out of the SFRC in five years. The revised bill focuses on reforms at the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the State Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), among others.