March 8, 2021

New USGLC ‘Report on Reports’ Finds Agreement Around Importance of Diplomacy, Development for America’s Health, Security, Economy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A new U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) analysis of more than 100 policy reports from across the political spectrum reveals agreement for strengthening and elevating diplomacy and development tools to tackle global challenges affecting Americans’ health, safety, and security. The USGLC’s 2021 Report on Reports: A Roadmap for U.S. Global Leadership will be highlighted in a virtual event this afternoon featuring a discussion with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and a panel conversation with Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina, former Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin, CARE President & CEO Michelle Nunn, and former U.S. Representative Peter Roskam of Illinois.

Read and download the full report here.

“In a town where it often feels like policymakers can’t agree on anything, we have found a lot of agreement when it comes to U.S. global leadership in USGLC’s new Report on Reports. This year, we looked at more than 100 policy reports from across the political spectrum, and in the midst of a global pandemic where no one is safe until everyone is safe, there is a clear roadmap of a foreign policy that delivers for American families,” said Liz Schrayer, USGLC President and CEO. “Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle and the Biden Administration can use this report to find common ground as they tackle six big global challenges that truly matter to our health and economic recovery – and it starts with strengthening diplomacy and development programs.”

Released every four years, the USGLC’s 2021 report analyzed more than 100 reports by U.S.-based think tanks and policy institutes released ahead of the November 2020 presidential election that included recommendations for the next Administration and Congress. The report found that development and diplomacy tools were elevated as key solutions in U.S. efforts to:

  • Fight the global COVID-19 pandemic
  • Address growing economic competition
  • Mitigate the impacts of climate change
  • Defend against rising authoritarianism
  • Respond to global humanitarian crises
  • Influence global alliances and partnerships

Democratic and Republican champions on Capitol Hill welcomed the release of today’s report and spoke to the importance of U.S. global engagement on the world stage.

Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said, “Foreign assistance is a crucial component of US foreign policy, demonstrating America’s capacity and commitment to building a better world. We are a global community, as are our challenges. Development professionals are saving lives while enhancing the stability and security of countries around the world, which in turn promotes our own economic, health and security interests. American leadership, through international cooperation, will continue to make significant progress in finding solutions to our global challenges.”

Representative Michael McCaul (R-TX), House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican, said, “Whether it is pushing back on the malign influence of Russia and the Chinese Communist Party or addressing the root causes of fragility and conflict, America’s interests are best served when we are at the table. It’s reassuring to see clear bipartisan consensus behind using America’s diplomatic might and foreign assistance dollars as critical tools to advance America’s leadership and foreign policy interests. Ultimately, strong engagement on the world stage, in coordination with partners and allies, advances the health and security interests of American citizens.”

The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (www.usglc.org) is a broad-based influential network of 500 businesses and NGOs; national security and foreign policy experts; and business, faith-based, academic, military, and community leaders in all 50 states who support strategic investments to elevate development and diplomacy alongside defense in order to build a better, safer world.