One organization that plays a vital role in international engagement is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The agency plays a crucial role in shaping the United States’ international policy, considering it leads and administers civilian development worldwide (Sonderman et al., 2018). In the various countries globally, where the United States needs to send foreign aid, the USAID acts as an effective conduit through which rapport can be established with the local leadership and community. For example, USAID has been instrumental in facilitating humanitarian relief in war-torn areas and drought-stricken nations (Sonderman et al., 2018). USAID’s efforts ensure that stable societies can be realized through large-scale and small-scale human progress interventions that transform people’s livelihood in a set place.
Since its inception on November 3rd, 1963, USAID has grown to boost a presence in over 100 countries worldwide, where it is involved in different initiatives. For example, USAID has customized projects and programs targeting women and girls, international health, innovation, humanitarian assistance, and peace (Sonderman et al., 2018). The USAID programs act as a means through which the United States and the larger international community can understand the local culture and challenges in a specific region (Sonderman et al., 2018). For instance, in the drought-stricken areas, USAID offers humanitarian relief in the form of food, water, and healthcare, with the organization publishing information about the issue at hand, ensuring more partners can become involved. In guaranteeing a steady presence worldwide, USAID has established offices in the various countries it has operations in, making it possible to respond promptly to emergencies within the nation (Sonderman et al., 2018). USAID’s physical presence in a given country makes it possible to collect data, which can shape the residents’ interaction, considering it is possible to learn about their customs, language, and beliefs.
Reference
Sonderman, K. A., Citron, I., Albutt, K., Salaam-Blyther, T., Romanzi, L., & Meara, J. G. (2018). USAID: Current support for global surgery and implications of reform. Surgery, 164(6), 1147-1155.