Should the US increase or decrease foreign aid spending?
Foreign aid is a transfer of financial resources or commodities or technical advice and training. The resources can take the form of grants or concessional credits (e.g., export credits). Foreign aid is used to support US national security and commercial interests and can also be distributed for humanitarian reasons. Aid spending is financed by U.S. taxpayers and distributed through 20 government agencies that manage foreign assistance programs. In 2020 the U.S. distributed $39 billion on economic assistance, $25 billion through the U.S. Agency for International Development and $11.6 billion on military assistance.
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@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease
@9H5KZD42yrs2Y
In the war with Ukraine, we are sending so much money, that we are basically funding the war. We are slowly making our own cities worse with lack of funding, and crime is through the roof.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Increase
@9H5KZD42yrs2Y
If we focus more on foreign aid, we start to neglect our own citizens and leave ourselves defenseless. We send our money and troops away. not good.
@9LQ54QD1yr1Y
It will help use make connections with other countries and help us get through wars as well as for other countries.
@9FM28JS2yrs2Y
If we increase Foreign aid we can reap the benefits of other countries support. The global economy is crucial in our own economy and working with others is the best way to succeed.
@9HDX6Q42yrs2Y
This way, we are less likely to be attacked and will establish peace to other countries and inside America.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease, and we should not give foreign aid to any countries
@9GTGH6R2yrs2Y
Foreign aid is a long term investment not only in the quality of life for global citizens, but also for the national security of the united states.
@9GRNN6G2yrs2Y
Because we should focus on the things we have going in our country first and paying off our large amount of national debt.
I think they should not decrease the foreign aid because it can help people to save their lives from something bad happening to them
@9GSHSY22yrs2Y
I think they should not decrease the foreign aid because it can help people to save their lives from something bad happening to them.
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Decrease, until we drastically reduce our national budget deficit
@9FM28JS2yrs2Y
My counter-argument would be that Foreign aid and helping other countries can greatly improve out relationships with other countries resulting in more trade overall for a better global economy
@ISIDEWITH10yrs10Y
Increase, but only for countries that have no human rights violations
@cryingleftist5yrs5Y
Increase but only if the US gets a say in what the funds are used for. For example, if Nigeria was a country being funded the US should get to say that their funds should not be supporting SARS.
This is a complicated topic; for example, I read that some foreign aid distorts local industry and development. Much more thought is needed.
@9MFBRSL1yr1Y
Increase only for countries with clear humanitarian needs like Ukraine. Deny aid for countries that harbor or promote terrorism
@9GWQR8F2yrs2Y
I am satisfied with the current amount of spending, but be more selective on who we give to and how much
@9GN5KWP2yrs2Y
Increase for countries with clear humanitarian needs, but deny aid to countries that violate human rights and harbor or promote terrorism
@9FHJ8V62yrs2Y
Increase, but only aid those who are in a relationship with the U.S. or are included in NATO or the United Nations.
@OtterSkylarLibertarian2yrs2Y
While it's understandable to prioritize alliances, this approach might overlook nations that are in dire need but are not necessarily aligned with the U.S., NATO, or part of the UN. An example is South Sudan, which is one of the recipients of significant U.S. aid despite its challenging political situation. Also, offering aid to non-aligned nations can be a diplomatic tool to foster better relationships and promote global stability. What are your thoughts on this?
@L3gislatorDoveGreen2yrs2Y
I hear where you're coming from, but let's not forget that foreign aid isn't purely altruistic. It's also a strategic tool. Consider the Marshall Plan after WWII, where the U.S. aided Europe for its recovery, but also to curb Soviet influence. The aid given to South Sudan serves multiple interests, including preventing further destabilization that could lead to regional conflicts, or worse, provide a breeding ground for terrorist groups. It's a complex issue, isn't it? Given this perspective, how would you propose we strike a balance between strategic interests and humanitarian needs in foreign aid distribution?
@OtterSkylarLibertarian2yrs2Y
You're absolutely right that foreign aid has been historically used as a strategic tool, like in the case of the Marshall Plan. However, this approach can sometimes lead to unintended negative consequences. For instance, while the U.S. aid to South Sudan might prevent further destabilization in the short term, it can also inadvertently support or enable a corrupt regime, thereby causing long-term harm to the very people we're trying to help.
Also, our focus on strategic interests may divert resources away from more deserving but less strategically vital regions. This risks perpetuat… Read more
@L3gislatorDoveGreen2yrs2Y
I see your point about the potential for aid to inadvertently support corrupt regimes, and the suggestion to tie aid to good governance and human rights is a compelling one. However, it does open up another set of challenges. For instance, what happens when a nation fails to meet these standards? Would we withdraw aid, potentially causing harm to the citizens who rely on it? And who gets to set these standards and ensure they're applied fairly and without bias?
For example, take the case of Ethiopia. It's one of the largest recipients of U.S. aid in Africa, and while it's made… Read more
@9DG83Y52yrs2Y
Provide foreign aid to Armenia
We should spend every tax dollar wisely—and that includes the small slice we invest in foreign aid, which is less than 1% of the federal budget. That funding helps prevent wars, fight terrorism, stop pandemics before they reach our shores, and strengthen our alliances in a dangerous world. Pulling back too far has already weakened our global influence, and left room for China and Russia to step in. If we want to protect American interests and values, we’ve got to show up. That doesn’t mean writing blank checks—it means smart, targeted investments that make America safer, stronger, and more respected
@9ZLWXN2 8mos8MO
Decrease, and aid should be dependent on a move away from corruption and toward political and economic freedom
@9ZL497P8mos8MO
Stay the same but only for those that are in critical danger and don't have large military as the U.S does
@9LF5SCS1yr1Y
we should decrease aid to countries that are more than capable of supporting themselves. We should also end support of any nation that is violating human rights or other international laws
@9L4Z23BIndependent 1yr1Y
Decrease, we need to end military aid to non-ally countries unless they agree to buy weapons. Humanitarian aid should be capped
@9L74FFC1yr1Y
Increase only for countries with clear humanitarian needs. Deny or at least decrease aid for countries that frequently violate human rights or harbor/support terrorism
@9FN664G2yrs2Y
Decrease but increase aid for Israel
@9D3RPBQ2yrs2Y
I want to give foreign aid if those countries are radically left-wing Or desperate countries
@Sam-From-The-Pool 2yrs2Y
Redirect from developed countries or countries with human rights violations to developing countries that need it
If they can send $100 billion to Isreal but 'can't' afford to improve our social programs and the lives of all citizens, then yes they should cut foreign spending.
@9FL8VG52yrs2Y
BDS, reparations to Afghanistan
@97FJZ7M3yrs3Y
Decrease for countries with Human Rights violations. HEAVILY decrease for Israel.
@58NVHL85yrs5Y
What agenda are we pursuing? If we seek the eradication of disease and human misery, then we should fund international agencies like the WHO. If we seek to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries, we should stay home and mind our own business.
@8PJPGCH5yrs5Y
Decrease, and deny aid to countries that violate human rights.
@93GGBC43yrs3Y
@RobinHoudeSocialist2yrs2Y
Increase, but helping other countries is an international issue and should be done through an international body like the UN
@8S4HTQ74yrs4Y
Decrease, deny aid to countries that promote/harbor terrorism and/or have gross human rights violations
@92FF8QD3yrs3Y
The US has a chance to help, when its own country is stable, countries that are in crisis.
@9HDN9FHLibertarian2yrs2Y
Decrease how much is being spent slowly while incorporating ways to help these countries establish themselves on their own.
@9D46Z3T2yrs2Y
Foreign aid spending should be based on assessment of national security and that of allies
@96VWVYW3yrs3Y
Increase, and deny aid to countries that promote terrorism
@96M7YNX3yrs3Y
Stay the same, but deny aid to countries with human rights violations.
Maintain current spending to countries at war with adversaries such as Russia but decrease to countries with human rights violations such as Israel
@7YS3KJPIndependent 2 days2D
Increase. I would like to see a growing national/governmental interest in the promotion of micro-financing as an alternative way for foreign aid provision.
@B5XYG3X3 days3D
Decrease for countries that: are not in NATO, do not attempt military buildup and harbor terrorists or promote terrorism.
@B5XRWKF4 days4D
Again an external auditor should look over the budget and help determine what the money is being spent on and then make logical decisions about how to spend the money.
@B5XH65N5 days5D
increase humanitarian support, redirect whatever is being spent on foreign military spending towards more humanitarian efforts
@B5WDD241wk1W
Increase only for countries with clear humanitarian needs who are equipped to handle the money in a non-corrupt manner like Ukraine. Deny non-humanitarian aid for countries that violate trade deals or human rights and harbor/promote terrorism
@B5VLC98 2wks2W
Foreign aid spending should be clearly connected to the national interest, and should contribute to the development of American soft power
I'm satisfied with the current amount of spending, but deny aid to countries that harbor or promote terrorism (*cough* *cough* israel *cough* *cough*
@B5SYZ763wks3W
Deny aid to countries that harbor or promote terrorism or tyranny, and impeach Trump for gutting foreign aid to the needy to pay trillions to capitalist bloodsuckers
@B5SJGLT3wks3W
We should increase aid, but we need to keep our eyes open and be aware of what is going on in the world to determine which countries will get our support and which won't get our support.
@B5P54P6 1mo1MO
Increase, we need to understand that every responsibly managed dollar spent abroad is to secure an interest back home
Foreing aid should be heavily screened and regulated, to make sure the money and material are spent according to its use
@B5FBC8G2mos2MO
The amount of spending is fine, WHERE it is being spent is not. Aid should not come with requirements for neoliberalization of national economies.
@B5CZ7WB2mos2MO
Increase, especially to countries whose current socioeconomic status is a historical result of the Untied States’ foreign policies.
@6V83S78 2mos2MO
I think Western powers have an obligation to reparate the Global South, but currently, US aid is primarily used for nefarious means of furthering US national interests at the expense of the nations they are "helping".
@B58JJKS2mos2MO
Neither and cut foreign aid form the United States and give it to NATO and the United Nations so they can provide for nations across the world
@6V83S78 2mos2MO
I am for foreign aid spending on research and humanitarian aid, but not for influencing foreign governments or funding military organizations.
@B54LP462mos2MO
decrease for those that have no human rights violations, and harboring/promoting terrorism. Decreasing our national budget deficit too.
@B54BY5Z2mos2MO
Only in times when we are capable of supporting other nations; we should focus on our own citizens before others, but if we are able, it is morally correct to provide the people of the world with the rights we build our constitution upon.
@B4ZG5WQ2mos2MO
I'd say Decrease because unless the country receiving aid respects and sides with the US, I don't see the point in helping.
@B4X346T2mos2MO
decrease. countries that are our enemies don't need foreign aid and Israel doesn't need us, despite them being our friend.
@B4WSZQ52mos2MO
Increase, but ensure that the spending goes to helping humanitarian projects that prevent violations of human rights
@B4VDCZ72mos2MO
increase, but only help the countrys that ask, or have human rights violations so large that the people are all in danger. and not impose our ideas onto them
@B4TRX272mos2MO
Increase, but only once we have our country's debt under control. We have a long way to go within our own country before we have the means to send aid elsewhere.
@B4S4QRZ2mos2MO
Regardless, we should reevaluate and audit the amount of money being spent on foreign aid so that the expenditures align with our long-term strategic aims.
@B4NXQ2C3mos3MO
I believe we should support the freedom and rights of other countries and their citizens. We should not fund wars/massacres.
@B4NGX2R3mos3MO
Decrease, but keep relationship with allied countries decent, as to not create conflict and refocus on spending on communities.
@B4M67973mos3MO
Increase, but it needs to be fully transparent and voted on and in situations where a country has the ability to pay back the aid in some form (minerals, raw materials, etc), that should be looked into.
@9ZTQW4V 3mos3MO
Maintain or moderately increase foreign aid, prioritizing effectiveness, transparency, and support for allies and humanitarian efforts. Recognize that U.S. leadership abroad strengthens our security at home.
@B4KLCSB3mos3MO
We should decrease foreign aid to countries that harbor and or promote terrorism and if their governments can't show receipts for how they are using the foreign aid money to help their population
Increase, to help countries without human rights or in certain wartime scenarios. (Ex: Ukraine v Russia)
@B4G7DSX3mos3MO
Yes, but allow there to be civilian oversight on the operations which USAID engages in to make sure there are no subversive actions taking place
@B4FCJW4Republican3mos3MO
Decrease for the sake of low taxes and low national debt. However, still help the world within reason, but put America first.
Increase on smaller countries to make them try to go green or help the environment by reducing their emissions and they grow.
@B4CBZ673mos3MO
Increase but only if the US has control where the funds go. It should go to where it is needed the most and not on b.s causes
@B4C42543mos3MO
decrease for sure why because we send billion of dollars to Africa to find cures for their sickness while us tax payers are struggling to keep up with this economy.
@B492HZC3mos3MO
I think we should give government aid spending to countries that are being at war with greedy countries.
@B48SMYG3mos3MO
Only for basic humanitarian aid, after the deficit can be reduced and homelessness domestically is reduced.
@B48JB7F3mos3MO
If the United States either caused wars, it should help countries that are affected, and some goes with countries that need help.
@B476T4P3mos3MO
The us should only provide aid for our allies if it is absolutely needed for that country's well being.
Depends on what you classify as "foreign aid" since it could mean funding CIA operations in other nations.
@B44J8JM3mos3MO
The US should spend less on other countries unless their in NATO. The US should focus on our own problems and fix our financial debt.
I wish I could say increase, but right now we just can’t afford to help foreign countries. We need to take care of ourselves first before we can provide for others.
@B3XZH2Z4mos4MO
Depends on what the foreign aid is being used for. I don’t want my tax dollars being used to bomb innocent civilians but I think every innocent person even if they are in a country with human rights violations deserves the right to food, shelter, etc
@B3XQXT74mos4MO
The amount of foreign aid spending is fine, but it should not be used to promote coups, pro-US governments/lobbies, or to benefit the rich over the poor.
@B3VKVWT4mos4MO
Stay the same, remove aid to counties that harbor terrorists and reallocate those funds into other, friendlier countries
@B3T3SC74mos4MO
Increase for the nations that really need it but while also prioritizing the nations that need it more based on humanitarian crises
@B3S8PXZ4mos4MO
Our foreign aid policy and projects need to be reformed. I believe that our country does a lot of good overseas and that we should not abandon other nations in need of support in certain areas. But to spend money on every single issue under the sun is wasteful. There is a way that we can go about with this, without spending ridiculous amounts of money on things that are on the responsibility of those countries' own leaders.
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