Both chambers of Congress are in session this week as debate over the budget continues. Tomorrow, Vice President Biden’s bipartisan budget working group meets again, and the House Appropriations Committee is scheduled to approve its FY12 302(b) appropriation allocations as well. The allocations include a 2% cut for the International Affairs Budget from current FY11 [...]

President Obama’s speech yesterday discussed the importance of global engagement and our civilian efforts, focusing on economic initiatives that can help the U.S. achieve foreign policy goals in the Middle East and North Africa. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton amplified this message in her introduction to the President’s remarks, where she said “Alongside our colleagues in [...]

President Obama delivered a much anticipated address on U.S. policy in North Africa and the Middle East this afternoon, timing it to broadcast prime time in cities like Cairo and Damascus and to reach beyond just a U.S. audience.  By giving his address at the State Department, President Obama underscored the leadership of American diplomacy [...]

This morning at 11:40 a.m., President Obama will deliver a foreign policy address at the State Department. President Obama will discuss recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, and U.S. policy in the region.  Stay tuned to usglc.org for in-depth analysis on the President’s speech and the International Affairs Budget.  To watch live, [...]

A recent paper by Joshua Foust at the American Security Project proposes a development strategy called “Expeditionary Economics” (ExpEcon) that advocates a more focused approach to economic growth, especially in post-crisis situations.  At its core, ExpEcon takes lessons learned from successful business growth models to create the conditions in which local businesses can grow and [...]

Opponents of foreign assistance often target transparency and foreign government corruption as critical setbacks in development work.  The belief is once money leaves the donor countries, recipient governments pilfer the money into the pockets of corrupt politicians rather applying the money to the agreed-upon development projects, bolstering corrupt regimes and marginalizing the opportunity for growth [...]

Yesterday, the USGLC was on the road in Columbus, Ohio, hosting a lunch for nearly 80 top military, business and community leaders. Keynoted by Lt. Gen. Daniel Christman, the afternoon discussion focused on both the national security and the economic importance of a strong and effective International Affairs Budget.  When it comes to the importance [...]