A U.S. Non-Military Foreign Assistance Model for the Modern Context Open Access

Abstract

In this thesis, I address the policy vacuum created by the dismantling of the United States

Agency for International Development. Drawing on the historical evolution of aid paradigms and

the logic of the social contract, I argue that the survival of American foreign assistance requires a

shift away from abstract humanitarianism toward a framework of “enlightened self-interest” that

demonstrates tangible benefits to the American taxpayer. I therefore propose an alternative

blueprint that justifies the “ends” of aid through a triadic framework – strategic, economic, and

moral – while synthesizing a “means” of delivery that combines top-down structure with bottom-

up caveats. Together, these elements, applied through a case study of Argentina, form a potential

model for policymakers to draw on when searching for a sustainable and effective foreign

assistance model for the modern context.

Table of Contents

Introduction…………………………………………………….………………………………….1

Chapter I: A Brief History……………………………………………………………….………..6

Chapter 2: Making the Case…………………………………………………………..………….25

Chapter 3: A New Blueprint……………………………………………………………………..39

Chapter 4: Case Study……………………………………………………………………………56

Works Cited……………………………………………………………………………..…….....69

About this Honors Thesis

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School	Emory College
Department	Philosophy
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Political Science, International Relations Philosophy
Keyword	Social Contract USAID Foreign Assistance International Development
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	John Stuhr, Emory University
Committee Members	Judd Owen, Emory University Michael Schwarz, Emory University

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