The Perilous Path of Aid Revocation: How Dismantling USAID Threatens Global Stability and US Interests

The Vital Role of USAID

International aid, particularly through USAID, is not merely an act of charity; it's a strategic cornerstone of US foreign policy, fostering global stability and advancing American interests through soft power. For less than one percent of the federal budget, USAID addresses critical security concerns, combats organized crime and drug production, and provides vital humanitarian assistance, solidifying the US position as a global leader.

Yet, despite the proven benefits, USAID faces dismantling, echoing a concerning trend from 2019, threatening to unravel progress and create new global challenges.

The 2019 Case Study: A Harbinger of Current Threats

In 2019, the Trump administration suspended nearly $400 million in aid to Central America's Northern Triangle, despite bipartisan congressional support for aid programs addressing violence and migration. This abrupt withdrawal, impacting crucial capacity-building initiatives, exacerbated existing vulnerabilities and fueled further migration—the very issue the cuts were intended to address.

This shortsighted decision serves as a stark warning of the potential consequences of current aid reductions.

The Escalation of Violent Crime

USAID-funded community-based crime prevention programs have historically been instrumental in reducing violence in the Northern Triangle. Between 2015 and 2017, these initiatives contributed to significant declines in homicide rates, with even more dramatic reductions in areas with targeted programs. The 2019 aid suspension disrupted these successes, leaving communities vulnerable and undermining years of progress.

The current dismantling of USAID threatens a similar resurgence of violence, jeopardizing hard-won gains in security and stability.

Empowering Organized Crime: An Unintended Consequence

The 2019 aid cuts inadvertently strengthened organized crime groups in Central America by crippling programs targeting corruption, youth violence, and criminal networks. The resulting power vacuum allowed these groups to expand their operations, further destabilizing the region.

As Eric Olson aptly noted, revoking aid ties the US's hands in the fight against organized crime, undermining long-term security interests.

Erosion of Trust and the Rise of New Global Players

The withdrawal of aid severely damaged US credibility in Central America, eroding trust and fostering resentment among allies who viewed the move as a betrayal. This loss of goodwill has pushed these nations to seek alternative partnerships, creating an opening for rivals like China to expand their influence in the region.

With China already investing heavily in Latin America, the US risks ceding its leadership role and further jeopardizing its strategic interests.

The Urgent Need to Restore USAID

Revoking aid doesn't save money; it makes the world more dangerous. Restoring USAID is not simply a budgetary decision; it's a strategic imperative for global stability and US national security. The 2019 experience in Central America offers a clear lesson: aid cuts exacerbate the very problems they intend to solve.

A recommitment to foreign assistance is an investment in peace, security, and American prosperity. It's time to reverse course before the damage becomes irreversible.