Why the US Is Ultimately Harming Itself More Than Saving Money: Former Diplomat Martin Kobler on the Freezing of USAID and How Development Aid Can, at Best, Make Itself Redundant
ZEIT ONLINE: Mr. Kobler, the Trump administration has frozen funding for USAID. In this context, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has formulated three basic principles: In the future, development aid should only flow if it makes the US "safer", "stronger" and "wealthier". What do you think of that?
Martin Kobler: The Trump administration’s decision to freeze funding for USAID is short-sighted and counterproductive. Development aid is not a handout, but an investment in the future of both the developing world and the United States. By freezing these funds, the Trump administration is harming the very people it claims to want to help, while also undermining US interests in the long run.
One of the main arguments made by the Trump administration is that development aid is a waste of money. They say that the money would be better spent on domestic programs here in the US.
MK: This argument is based on a false dichotomy. We can and should do both. Development aid is a small fraction of the US budget, and it is an investment that pays off in the long run. By helping to lift people out of poverty and promote economic growth, development aid makes the world a more stable and prosperous place for everyone, including the United States.
Another argument made by the Trump administration is that development aid is ineffective. They say that it doesn’t actually help people in developing countries.
MK: This argument is simply not true. There is a wealth of evidence showing that development aid is effective in reducing poverty, improving health and education, and promoting economic growth. In fact, a study by the Center for Global Development found that every dollar invested in development aid generates an average of $2.50 in economic benefits.
So you believe that development aid is a good investment for the US?
MK: Absolutely. Development aid is not only the right thing to do, it is also in the US’s own best interests. By helping to create a more stable and prosperous world, development aid makes the US safer, stronger, and wealthier.
What do you think will happen to USAID now that its funding has been frozen?
MK: It is too early to say for sure, but it is clear that the freeze will have a negative impact on USAID’s ability to carry out its mission. USAID is responsible for providing humanitarian assistance, promoting economic development, and strengthening democracy around the world. The freeze will make it difficult for USAID to continue to do this work effectively.
What do you think the long-term consequences of this decision will be?
MK: The long-term consequences of this decision are likely to be negative for both the US and the developing world. By freezing funding for USAID, the Trump administration is sending a signal that the US is no longer interested in playing a leading role in global development. This will create a vacuum that other countries, such as China, will be happy to fill.
What can be done to reverse this decision?
MK: The best way to reverse this decision is to educate the American people about the importance of development aid. We need to make the case that development aid is not a waste of money, but an investment in the future of both the developing world and the United States. We also need to hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they support development aid.
Is there anything that can be done to make development aid more effective?
MK: Yes, there are a number of things that can be done to make development aid more effective. One is to focus on long-term, sustainable development projects that build the capacity of developing countries to help themselves. Another is to ensure that development aid is aligned with the priorities of the countries receiving it. Finally, we need to be more transparent and accountable about how development aid is used.
Do you think that development aid will ever become redundant?
MK: I believe that development aid will eventually become redundant, but only when the world has achieved the Sustainable Development Goals. These goals include eradicating poverty, hunger, and disease; providing access to education and healthcare for all; and protecting the environment. When these goals have been achieved, the world will have a more just, equitable, and sustainable future. And that is a future that we should all be working towards.
