The Case for a Strong International Affairs Budget
Since the height of the Cold War, the U.S. International Affairs budget steadily declined until reaching a historic low of $21 billion for FY 1995. While the significantly larger defense budget was drastically reduced, the already-smaller International Affairs budget suffered even more in terms of percentage of reduction. From 1992 to 1998, the International Affairs Budget was cut every year, ultimately representing a 38% decrease in our foreign affairs programs (as a percentage of the U.S. GDP) over that time.
In addition to protecting U.S. interests and values abroad, the International Affairs budget also funds humanitarian, economic and various diplomatic agendas. Comprised of less than 1% of the overall federal budget, this money is responsible for addressing issues like global hunger, AIDS, malaria, illiteracy, disaster response, peace building, and religious rights protection. For example, in the past year, through the International Affairs budget, four million children affected by AIDS received support; roughly 2.5 million people received AIDS treatments; and roughly 15 million malaria bed nets were distributed to areas in need. This budget is not only responsible for demonstrating the goodwill of the American people, but also creates and maintains a healthier and more peaceful world. Those in favor of an increased budget base their arguments in the proven improvement of the perception of the United States by foreign countries. By highlighting American strengths in the form of generosity and moral fortitude, America is seen in an increasingly favorable manner.
Beyond the purely moral and humanitarian benefits, the International Affairs budget is also critical to ensuring our national security by protecting against international threats from developing states characterized by their frail government infrastructures. Several prominent members of the U.S. federal government, including Defense Secretary Gates, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Admiral Mullen, and other military personnel across the political spectrum have requested increases in the International Affairs budget to augment the efficacy of American national security policy.
The International Affairs budget has proven fundamental in pursuing U.S. military, economic and strategic interests around the globe. Programs funded by this budget work to create and support markets for U.S. exports and promote good governance practices that strengthen young democracies.
The International Affairs budget promotes a better, safer America and world by strengthening our national security, building economic prosperity, and demonstrating our moral and humanitarian values. Programs funded by the International Affairs budget stabilize fragile states, combat terrorism and deter threats before they reach America’s shores. The Obama administration has classified the International Affairs budget as part of the “security fund” equal in importance to Defense and Homeland Security. However, it currently represents only 6.8% of the national security budget.
During the Clinton administration, Department of Defense and International Affairs budgets were at all-time lows. Over the past fifteen years, funds allocated to International Affairs have doubled from $29.9 billion during the Clinton years to $58.8 billion under President Obama. This is due in part to the increase of globalization that the international political and economic communities have experienced over this period. It was also partly necessitated by the fiscal reality of fighting two wars. Because of the political paradigmatic shifts catalyzed by globalization, international investment has become inherent to successful diplomatic and economic relations among states.
Because of the range of benefits that can be attributed to this specific budget, it is imperative that the federal government continue to provide ample funding to carry out the mandates set by the people and their representatives. More now than ever before, the United States cannot sacrifice effort or financial support to accomplishing international goals outlined by our national government. Although the money allocated to this specific sector of government is typically used to support those outside our own borders, numerous positive effects have been historically enjoyed by nations that hold this value as a high priority. By doing so, our representatives will be perpetuating American values and will draw attention to America’s devotion to global economic and political success.
The Foreign Policy section of the Weekly Political Forecast is written by PAI’s Special Analyst for Foreign Affairs.
