New GMF Paper Creates a Model for a Global Development Strategy

By: Staff Person
July 23, 2010

MFAN Partner the German Marshall Fund of the United States this week hosted a discussion on a new paper that offers a model for a U.S. Global Development Strategy. The paper was written by MFAN Principal and GMF Senior Resident Fellow Jim Kunder and MFAN member Jonathan White, senior program officer at GMF. The paper, titled “The Roadmap for a Grand Bargain: Comments on a U.S. Global Development Strategy,” draws from existing foreign assistance approaches and recent support from the Obama Administration and Congress for the notion of formulating the United States’ first-ever global development strategy for the 21st century.

MFAN Partners React to $4 billion Cuts to President’s Development Budget

By: Staff Person
July 1, 2010

MFAN’s members have been out in force reacting to the House of Representatives decision to cut $4 billion from President Obama’s request for the International Affairs Budget, which funds the civilian instruments of U.S. global engagement, particularly foreign aid.

Brookings, CSIS Issue New Report on Foreign Assistance Reform

By: Staff Person
April 8, 2010

In a new report by co-authors Noam Unger (Fellow, Global Economy and Development, Brookings Institution and MFAN Principal), Margaret Taylor (Council on Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow with the Center for Strategic and International Studies Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project), and Frederick Barton (former co-director of the CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project), policymakers are presented with key recommendations to inform a coherent and effective national approach to both stabilization and broader development.

Assistant Secretary Carson uses Reform Language to Outline Policy

By: Staff Person
March 26, 2010

Yesterday Johnnie Carson, Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of African Affairs, testified before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa and Global Health to discuss U.S. government policy for sub-Saharan Africa.

CAP Hosts Chairman Berman, MFAN Principal McPherson for Development Discussion

By: Staff Person
March 22, 2010

Last Thursday, the Center for American Progress (CAP) hosted House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) and a group of experts as part of the Center’s Sustainable Security series. Berman headlined the event titled, “U.S. Global Development Policy in the 21st Century: Implications for Reform.”

Nearly 50 Military Officials Call International Affairs Budget Critical to Security

By: Staff Person
March 10, 2010

Members of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s National Security Advisory Committee released a letter today urging Congress to boost development and diplomacy spending. “Our military works hand-in-hand with diplomats and development experts in meeting the challenges and responsibilities we face around the world,” said General Hagee. “It is critical that our civilian agencies are properly resourced so they can lead key elements of our national security strategy.”

Reps. Carnahan and Cao Launch American Engagement Caucus

By: Staff Person
March 10, 2010

In an effort to address the many global challenges the U.S. faces today through increased partnership and multilateral engagement, Congressman Russ Carnahan (D-MO) and Congressman Anh “Joe” Cao (R-LA) created the American Engagement Caucus.

Sec. Clinton Goes to Bat for FY2011 International Affairs Budget

By: Staff Person
March 1, 2010

In four separate hearings – on back-to-back days – before House and Senate authorizers and appropriators, Clinton discussed the budget request for U.S. foreign affairs spending and explicitly linked it to our national security and national interests.