The Enduring Struggle: The History of the U.S. Agency for International Development and America's Uneasy Transformation of the World

US Foreign aid is a controversial topic that is often misunderstood. This book provides a compelling and rich story of the US Agency for International Development (AID), highlighting its successes and failures in eradicating smallpox, the Green Revolution, and bringing family planning to millions of women.

Format: Hardback
Length: 338 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2021
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

The United States' foreign aid is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of its federal government. Despite accounting for less than 1% of the budget, it has played a significant role in political discourse. At the heart of this controversy is the U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), established during the Kennedy administration to oversee America's foreign assistance programs. AID has been a multifaceted entity, navigating challenges and achieving remarkable successes, as well as facing embarrassing failures.

Throughout its history, AID has touched the lives of millions, positively and negatively. Its achievements include eradicating smallpox, implementing the Green Revolution, and expanding access to family planning for women. However, it has also been responsible for costly mistakes in regions such as Vietnam and Iraq, stemming from ignorance and ethnocentrism. Additionally, there have been instances where money has ended up in the hands of corrupt leaders, such as President Mobutu in Zaire.

In preparation for the 60th anniversary of AID, journalist and foreign policy expert John Norris has written a comprehensive book that delves into the agency's history,warts and all. Norris shares a vast amount of untold history, providing a detailed account of AID's successes, failures, and the profound impact it has had on the lives of individuals and communities around the world.

The book highlights the agency's early days, when it faced challenges such as establishing its identity and navigating the political landscape. It also explores the various programs and initiatives AID has implemented over the years, from development assistance to humanitarian aid and emergency response. Norris sheds light on the individuals who have shaped AID's history, including its founders, leaders, and employees, as well as the challenges they faced and the contributions they made.

One of the book's most compelling aspects is its analysis of AID's successes and failures. Norris provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging the agency's accomplishments while also acknowledging its mistakes. He highlights the factors that contributed to these successes and failures, including policy decisions, bureaucratic challenges, and the complex nature of international development.

Norris also delves into the ethical considerations surrounding foreign aid. He questions whether aid is always effective in achieving its goals and whether it can sometimes perpetuate harmful systems and practices. He explores the role of AID in promoting democracy, human rights, and economic development, as well as the challenges it faces in achieving these goals in countries with complex political and social structures.

The book also sheds light on the impact of AID on American politics and society. It explores the political debates surrounding foreign aid, including the debates over funding levels, policy priorities, and the role of the United States in the global arena. Norris also discusses the impact of AID on American foreign policy, including the influence it has had on shaping American foreign policy goals and the challenges it faces in implementing them.

In conclusion, John Norris' book on AID provides a comprehensive and insightful account of the agency's history, successes, failures, and the profound impact it has had on the lives of individuals and communities around the world. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of foreign aid and the role of the United States in shaping the global landscape. As we approach the 60th anniversary of AID, this book serves as a reminder of the agency's legacy and the ongoing challenges it faces in achieving its goals.

Weight: 626g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538154663