Stimson Center Releases New Report on Security Assistance

By: Staff Person
April 21, 2011

“A narrow focus on security in US security assistance programs misses this vital connection. It de-links support for security forces from the need for effective, efficient, and accountable governance. Historically, military and other security forces empowered through security assistance programs in countries with weak governance have too often led to diminished accountability, authoritarian government, military coups, and human rights violations.”

Two Congressman and Global Washington Founder Argue Foreign Aid is a Critical Investment

By: Staff Person
April 19, 2011

“Foreign aid is far from wasteful spending: Dollars spent abroad help maintain America’s economic and political leadership, as well as support our vital national-security interests. These programs have amplified benefits for global stability through contributions to poverty alleviation, health and disease prevention, and infrastructure-building worldwide.”

Harnessing Aid and Trade in a Time of Fiscal Austerity

By: Staff Person
April 14, 2011

Today’s post is the fifth and final post in a Feed the Future/Reform blog series that MFAN has been coordinating with key members of the community. Click here to read what leaders from the German Marshall Fund of the United States have to say about Feed the Future as it relates to aid and trade.

MFAN Principals Weigh in on U.S. Global Development Council

By: Staff Person
April 12, 2011

On Friday, MFAN Principals Noam Unger and John Norris released a policy brief exploring the structure of a U.S. Global Development Council, which President Obama called for in the presidential policy directive on global development released in September 2010. When released, the directive stated that this council would be “comprised of leading members of the philanthropic sector, private sector, academia, and civil society, to provide high-level input relevant to the work of United States Government agencies.”

Foreign Assistance is Key to Reinforcing Diplomacy in Sudan

By: Staff Person
April 12, 2011

While much of the aid that the United States sends abroad directly addresses health, food and security needs, a similarly important portion of U.S. assistance benefits the environmental conservation work in developing countries. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Biodiversity Program, Sustainable Landscapes, and Adaptation Program all seek to protect the natural environment in places that, for mostly economic reasons, are under threat.

World Health Day, polio, and my dad

By: Staff Person
April 7, 2011

In 2009, the Global Health Initiative (GHI) was launched. The GHI redoubles US efforts to strengthen health systems, so countries can ultimately care for their own. GHI makes all this progress on HIV, TB, malaria, polio, and other infectious diseases sustainable by strengthening local health systems, and training health workers to manage routine care and prevention. The US is shifting from emergency mode to working with governments and civil society to determine the long-term health needs of their country.

The United States Institute of Peace: A “Think and Do” Tank

By: Staff Person
April 5, 2011

Click here to read a guest blog post by Col. Greg Hermsmeyer, USAF (ret.) on the important role of the U.S. Institute of Peace. He says, “I have worked on the defense and civilian sides of international affairs and know from firsthand experience that USIP is not just another “think tank.” The Institute and its cadre of dedicated peace-builders provide a critical bridge between the military—where I served for 21 years—and the non-military sectors and is a vital national security resource.”

American Foreign Policy and Africa with Senator Johnny Isakson

By: Staff Person
April 1, 2011

Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA) delivered an engaging and broad-ranging speech on U.S. policy in Africa yesterday at John’s Hopkins’ School of Advanced International Studies. Senator Isakson is the Senior Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on African Affairs, and he has traveled to the continent many times over the last several years. Senator Isakson focused his remarks on three primary areas: 1. U.S. foreign assistance to Africa; 2. U.S. private investment in Africa; and 3. China’s presence in Africa.

U.S. Development Firms Lead by Example

By: Staff Person
March 30, 2011

With all the talk about whether foreign assistance is achieving its intended results, recent success stories demonstrate that economic development remains the strongest foundation for advances in all other sectors, such as health, governance, education and the empowerment of minorities and women. These successful projects show how U.S. development firms lead by example, teaching entrepreneurship and efficiency and creating thriving local businesses.