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For the first event of this CID Spotlight Series, we hosted three distinguished U.S. ambassadors to discuss the far-reaching consequences of pulling back America’s foreign aid programs. As seasoned international negotiators, our panelists highlighted how these cuts threaten U.S. soft power, economic growth, and global influence.

The Impact on U.S. Global Leadership & Economic Interests

For decades, the United States has built a reputation as a trusted global partner, fostering stability and opening emerging markets to American businesses. The ambassadors warned that weakening international development efforts will erode this trust—allowing competitors like China and Russia to reshape global rules in ways that disadvantage U.S. companies.

Their message was clear: If the U.S. doesn’t show up, it loses influence. Without a strong diplomatic and development presence, America risks ceding leadership, threatening its ability to shape policies that benefit both national interests and global stability.

“We’re going to have to be much more creative, much more entrepreneurial, and much more flexible.” - Ambassador Brigety

The Human Cost of U.S. Withdrawal

Beyond economic consequences, our panelists stressed the devastating human toll of these cuts. Reduced support for global health, food security, and humanitarian aid will lead to increased deaths from AIDS, starvation, and oppressive regimes. With firsthand experience during a period of American diplomatic leadership, they cautioned that retreating now is a shortsighted decision that will ultimately make the U.S. weaker, less prosperous, and more isolated on the world stage.

As the panelists emphasized, America’s development leadership is not just an act of goodwill—it’s a strategic investment. Withdrawing from global engagement today will have long-term consequences for U.S. prosperity, security, and standing in the world.

Read coverage of the event in the .

In our second CID Spotlight Series conversation, we explored a comparative approach to foreign aid with distinguished speakers from Europe and the U.S. Our discussion focused on best practices, efficiency, and the strategic benefits of international development investments.

Foreign Aid: A Smart Investment, Not Just a Moral Obligation

While the moral case for foreign aid is well established, our panelists emphasized the efficiency and effectiveness argument. When it comes to global public goods, investing in international development is not just an act of generosity—it’s a strategic investment that benefits both donor and recipient nations. Stronger economies, healthier populations, and stable governance abroad create a more secure and prosperous world for all.

Rethinking Development Financing & Political Constraints

Acknowledging that USAID and other aid agencies aren’t perfect, our experts stressed the importance of continually assessing whether we are using the right type of financing for the right purpose. Since development is inherently political, they noted that short political cycles often undermine the long-term technical effectiveness of aid programs.

For foreign aid to be truly effective, our panelists called for:

• A clear and universal articulation of development priorities
• Stronger guardrails to prevent narrowly self-interested decisions
• Smarter, more adaptable financing models to ensure impact

The Future of Foreign Aid: Aligning Strategy & Impact

As global challenges become more complex, our conversation reinforced the need for a strategic, data-driven, and politically resilient approach to development. The right policies today will determine whether foreign aid remains an effective tool for global stability, economic opportunity, and diplomatic leadership.

In our third CID Spotlight Series discussion, we convened leaders from across the NGO sector to examine the humanitarian impact of recent U.S. policy changes. Their insights painted a stark picture of the global consequences of abrupt funding cuts and the failure to responsibly transition or sunset critical programs.

The Need for Resilient Humanitarian Systems

Our panelists emphasized that the current approach appears designed to create upheaval and chaos, rather than ensuring a structured, sustainable transition. To safeguard lifesaving programs, they called for independent funding mechanisms that insulate critical humanitarian efforts from shifting political landscapes.

Global Crises and Domestic Consequences

The conversation underscored a critical misunderstanding: these policy shifts don’t just endanger global security—they directly impact U.S. health and safety. As pandemics know no borders, our panelists cited the rising Ebola cases in Uganda, warning of the very real dangers should outbreaks spiral out of control.

Ignoring Humanitarian Needs Will Have Consequences

Leaders with experience in some of the world’s most crisis-prone regions were unequivocal: when the U.S. withdraws support, instability follows. The result?

• Increased global migration and refugee crises
• Greater geopolitical instability
• A more dangerous world for everyone, including Americans

In our fourth CID Spotlight Series conversation, we welcomed Dean Karlan, former Chief Economist at USAID and a leading development economist. His resignation after just two years at the agency signals a troubling trend: losing the very experts dedicated to making America safer, stronger, and more prosperous—a core mission of USAID since its founding.

The Misunderstood Concept of Efficiency

Karlan highlighted a fundamental gap in understanding efficiency in development work. Too often, success is measured by simplistic metrics—such as job counts—that fail to capture long-term impact. He argued for new models that prioritize data-driven, well-analyzed approaches to measuring true program effectiveness in a rapidly changing world.

The Role of Government vs. Private Philanthropy

Addressing the role of different sectors in development, Karlan examined the collective action problem that arises if we rely too heavily on private philanthropy. There’s a critical reason why governments take the lead in certain types of work—particularly in areas where private incentives may not align with public good outcomes.

The Challenge of Policy in a Politicized Environment

One of Karlan’s most urgent warnings was about the erosion of truth in policy discussions. He noted that when rhetoric overshadows facts, it becomes nearly impossible to advance legitimate policy proposals. A key issue is the failure to distinguish between waste and political preference—just because a program doesn’t align with a particular political agenda doesn’t mean it is fraudulent or ineffective.

Karlan’s insights reinforce the urgency of rethinking development priorities and ensuring that expert-driven solutions remain at the heart of U.S. global engagement.

CID was honored to host Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank, for a dynamic discussion co-sponsored by the . In conversation with CID Faculty Director Asim I. Khwaja, Banga shared career insights while tackling the pressing global challenges reshaping the future of international aid and development.

A Global Rethink of the Aid Architecture

Banga emphasized that the need to redefine development aid is a global challenge, not just one confined to a particular country. He highlighted the shared aspiration for nations to graduate from aid programs, pointing to South Korea’s economic transformation as a model of success.

AI’s Promise and Challenge for Developing Economies

Exploring the paradox of artificial intelligence, Banga recognized its game-changing potential in education, healthcare, and agriculture. However, he warned that developing countries lacking computing power, electrical infrastructure, data systems, and a skilled workforce will struggle to fully harness AI’s benefits. Additionally, he underscored the national security concerns surrounding data-sharing, making even regional cooperation in emerging markets a complex challenge.

Unlocking Private Capital for Development

Banga called for mobilizing private capital to drive global development. He proposed that by standardizing investment terms and aggregating assets under those terms, development institutions could unlock significant private sector investment—a critical funding source for sustainable growth.

Career Advice: Seizing Opportunity When It Strikes

In closing, Banga reflected on the role of luck in success, reminding the audience:

"When the lucky train comes by, you have to take the risk and jump onboard—you don’t want to be the person waving goodbye from the platform."

As global challenges evolve, Banga’s insights reinforce the importance of innovative thinking, private-sector engagement, and long-term development strategies.

Read coverage of the event in the .

Our second event co-sponsored by the brought together development experts from across sectors for a candid conversation with CID Executive Director Fatema Z. Sumar on the future of foreign aid and U.S. global leadership.

The Political Pendulum and Foreign Aid’s Future

Panelists reflected on this watershed moment, emphasizing the ripple effects of U.S. policy shifts under the Trump administration. While all agreed that reform is necessary, there was deep concern that foreign aid is becoming a partisan issue—a development that could undermine global trust and create instability in U.S. partnerships abroad.

The Bipartisan History of Foreign Aid

Interestingly, panelists noted that while Democratic administrations are often seen as more consultative, major foreign aid initiatives—such as PEPFAR and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)—have historically been launched under Republican leadership. However, when political grandstanding overtakes pragmatic policymaking, the effectiveness of aid programs is at risk. Panelists called for a bipartisan approach to ensure long-term development impact.

The Missing Message to the American Public

"We have been very focused on how we think about and message development to our constituencies around the world, and less so to the individuals who, at the end of the day, are financing that—and that’s the American people and the American taxpayer." - Nisha Biswal

Despite Americans being a highly compassionate nation, our experts highlighted a critical messaging gap: most taxpayers lack a clear understanding of what USAID does and how foreign aid benefits US interests. Without public awareness and support, it becomes difficult to sustain effective development policies.

Shifting Global Alliances and U.S. Influence

As alliances shift and burden-sharing evolves, panelists warned that the U.S. is losing its role as the “long pole in the tent” of global development. Without proactive leadership, America risks ceding influence in the new international aid architecture, one that may no longer be as accommodative of U.S. interests.

As the world reimagines development in a new geopolitical era, our panel reinforced the urgency of stable, strategic, and bipartisan U.S. leadership in foreign aid.

Read coverage of the event in the and the .