Foreign Aid, Geopolitics, and US Influence
The Economics and Politics of Foreign Aid and Influence
Humanitarian Aid vs. Defense Spending
Humanitarian Aid: The estimated amount of humanitarian aid given to other countries by the US is approximately (one-tenth of one percent) of the total budget, which is a very small proportion.
Defense Budget: In contrast, the US defense budget is a colossal figure.
As of , US defense spending constitutes or more of the total US budget.
This figure does not include military aid provided to other countries.
It covers the US military defense budget, including all military bases the US maintains globally.
The US is unique in being the only country with military bases worldwide, incurring significant annual costs.
Defining "Aid": A Broad and Ambiguous Term
The term "aid" can encompass vastly different concepts, often leading to confusion.
Non-Military Aid (Humanitarian Aid): This refers to assistance aimed at addressing immediate human needs, such as:
Food packages for populations facing intense starvation (e.g., Sudan, Gaza, experiencing the fifth stage of starvation where people are dying daily).
Water, healthcare, medicine, and other essential services.
Military Aid: This involves providing substantial support for military purposes, including:
Weapons and tactical support for those weapons.
It does not include food, water, healthcare, or medicine.
Core Question: Regardless of the type of aid, a fundamental question is, "What does it actually do? Is it effective for its stated purpose, or does it serve other, unstated objectives?"
Aid Paradigms: Models of Influence
1.$ Arms for Influence
This paradigm suggests that by providing military aid and arms, a country gains influence over the recipient nation.
It appears to be a "no-brainer" concept but is not as common as one might assume, though examples exist.
Example: Georgia
Georgia, bordering Russia, has historically faced Russian aggression and occupations.
The US has offered assistance to Georgia, which its government typically accepts due to security concerns.
Evidence of Influence: The US desired specific actions from Georgia.
Georgia supported the US invasion of Iraq, contributing troops to the "Coalition of the Willing."
In return, Georgia received a Millennium Challenge Account aid package, effectively a "prize" for its pro-US stance and support for the Iraq war.
Other Forms of Influence and Support
Domestic Political System: The concept of receiving valuable things in exchange for support also applies within the US political system.
Student Financial Aid (FAFSA): A type of government support that students apply for, with US citizens reportedly having an easier time receiving it compared to international students.
Political Donations/Favors: Politicians and political parties can receive valuable support.
Qatar's Influence: Qatar reportedly offered a new presidential plane to the US (Air Force One) during a previous administration, a highly visible example of countries buying influence in the US system.
Lobbying and Grassroots Efforts - Example: Ilhan Omar
AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee): A powerful lobby group that supports pro-Israel candidates.
AIPAC has spent significant money to defeat Representative Ilhan Omar in her district campaigns because she has been critical of Israel.
Despite substantial financial backing for her challengers, Omar has consistently won due to her popularity and strong organizing, demonstrating that money is not the only factor in political success.
Local Politics - Example: Minneapolis Mayoral Race
Omar Fateh vs. Jacob Frey: Omar Fateh, a successful community organizer (e.g., organized Lyft/Uber drivers), won the DFL (Democratic Farmer Labor) convention nomination for mayor, aiming to unseat incumbent Jacob Frey.
The established Democratic party was surprised and attempted to reverse the nomination, citing procedural issues.
This example illustrates how community organizing and popular support can challenge well-funded, established candidates, showing money's role but also the power of grassroots efforts.
Yemen, the Houthis, and Regional Impact
The Houthis are a political party now in control of Yemen.
The US does not officially recognize them as the legitimate government.
Previous US Support to Yemen: The US provided secret support to the previous Yemeni government to counter regional resistance groups supported by Iran (part of the "crescent shape" network discussed on the first day of class).
Houthis' Actions Against Israel: The Houthis, in support of Palestine, have taken action in the Red Sea shipping lanes.
They have attacked ships traveling to Israel.
This forces ships to reroute around the continent of Africa, significantly increasing costs and travel time.
Insurance companies are often unwilling to cover these routes due to the risk of attack, further disrupting shipping.
This demonstrates how regional dynamics and foreign aid decisions (or lack thereof) can have global economic and geopolitical consequences.
US Support for Israel: History and Motivations
Historical Context
Creation of Israel (19481948$$ by a UN partition of Mandate Palestine, occupying an existing country.
The initial UN-allocated territory was smaller than present-day Israel.
The Balfour Declaration was a key precursor, a British plan to create a homeland for Jews outside of Britain following the Holocaust.
Initial US Support: The US supported Israel's creation, but its level of support was initially modest compared to current levels.
US support for Israel significantly increased over time, particularly after a certain period (implied to be later in the 20th century).
The Ongoing Conflict in Gaza
Israel's Stated War Aim: Israel claims to be in a war against Hamas in Gaza.
Nature of the Conflict: The instructor views it as not a "normal war" due to the disproportionate casualties and methods.
Genocide Allegations: The high number of children killed, widespread starvation, and systematic destruction of life resemble a "planned, meticulous destruction of human life."
Absence of a Conventional Military: Neither Hamas nor Palestine possesses a conventional military, making it an asymmetrical conflict.
Al Aqsa Flood Operation: A real operation launched by Hamas, supported by the Houthis and Iran.
Initial Israeli claims of thousands killed by Hamas are disputed, with investigations (e.g., by Al Jazeera) suggesting many civilian deaths were caused by Israeli forces.
Motivations for US Support: Politics Over Religion
The instructor (a political scientist) emphasizes a political lens, arguing that while religious connections exist (e.g., some US Christians believe in a "rapture" connected to Israel), the primary drivers are political.
What the US Gains from Supporting Israel:
Military Bases and Strategic Presence: Israel hosts giant US military bases with US troops stationed there, who are actively involved in operations in Gaza.
Proxy Actions: Israel can undertake actions that the US cannot directly do or would look bad doing.
This allows the US to maintain a strong presence in the Middle East, appearing favorable to Europe and the world due to the association with the Jewish star flag and the post-Holocaust context.
The ultimate goal is to dominate the Middle East through a strategic outpost.
Strong Ties: The deep ties between the US and Israel are evident, with a significant portion of Hebrew-speaking Israelis also speaking English, reflecting cultural and political integration.