U.S. Foreign Assistance for the Twenty-first Century

Publication Date: August 2008

Publisher: Center for Global Development

Author(s): Sheila Herrling; Steve Radelet

Research Area: Government; International relations

Keywords: Presidential transition; Foreign Aid

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

This White House and the World Brief presents the key facts and recommendations drawn from Chapter Ten of The White House and the World: A Global Development Agenda for the Next U.S. President.

Meeting today's foreign policy challenges requires a new vision of American global leadership based on the strength of our core values, ideas, and ingenuity. It calls for an integrated foreign policy that promotes our ideals, enhances our security, helps create economic and political opportunities for people around the world, and restores America's image abroad. We cannot rely exclusively or even primarily on defense and security to meet these goals. CGD senior policy analyst Sheila Herrling and senior fellow Steve Radelet argue instead that we must make greater use of all the tools of statecraft, including diplomacy, trade, investment, intelligence, and a strong and effective foreign assistance strategy.