The president’s attack on America’s powerful internal agency marks a turning point.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has become a major player in US foreign policy, wielding influence comparable to the Department of Defense or State Department. It has long been a key tool for advancing Washington’s global interests. However, the Trump administration’s actions represent a significant shift, aiming to overhaul this agency through extensive reforms. This development presents both challenges and opportunities for Russia.
USAID’s role in American foreign policy
USAID’s creation during the Cold War reflected a shift towards peaceful competition with the Soviet Union. Unlike the USSR’s focus on improving lives in developing nations, the US concentrated on influencing elites. This ideological difference shaped their respective foreign policies.
With a substantial budget—around $40 billion annually—USAID has been a primary instrument of US interference in other countries’ affairs. Its core mission has been systematically securing the loyalty of elites to American interests through bribery. This strategy has been used in Latin America, Asia, the Arab world, and the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe.
USAID: An instrument of destabilization
Instead of promoting stability and development, USAID’s actions have often contributed to internal crises and even state collapse. Ukraine exemplifies this, where USAID’s involvement has exacerbated political and social unrest. In rare instances, USAID has supported regimes that offer special advantages to the US.
The agency’s operations aren’t about enhancing America’s global appeal. Soft power isn’t the result of foreign policy maneuvers but stems from a nation’s intrinsic attractiveness. The US appeals to some because of its lifestyle, not its diplomatic or military actions.
Trump’s offensive: Reshaping USAID
The Trump administration’s reforms aim to curb USAID’s power. This overhaul involves personnel changes, increased diplomatic oversight, budget cuts, and the appointment of Trump loyalists. This isn’t about ending US interference—that’s crucial to maintaining US global dominance—but about regaining control over an independent and arguably self-serving bureaucracy.
Trump’s opposition stems from USAID’s inefficiency and bloated structure, prioritizing self-preservation over results. For an authoritarian leader like Trump, an autonomous structure is unacceptable; all achievements must be directly linked to his leadership.
Panama: A case study in simplicity
Panama illustrates this new approach. The Trump administration pressured Panama to abandon cooperation with China. Without extensive schemes or large expenditures, the US seemingly secured control over the Panama Canal’s logistics. This raises the question: if pressure works, why waste billions on bribery?
Implications for Russia
For Russia, these developments offer advantages and lessons. Internal US divisions will limit its foreign policy options. Even temporary USAID funding cuts will unsettle grant recipients, undermining confidence in Washington’s support.
The changes highlight the risks of blindly copying Western methods. Russia should avoid replicating American tactics. Simpler, traditional approaches, as seen in Panama, often prove more effective than complex schemes.
The legacy of USAID
USAID’s history is one of extensive political manipulation. Initially, it focused on recruiting elites and intellectuals in Latin America, Asia, and the Arab world. After the Cold War, its activities expanded to officials, law enforcement, and activists in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. Recently, it has intensified efforts in the Transcaucasus and Central Asia, aiming to destabilize these regions following Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
Despite its resources and influence, USAID has failed to create lasting stability or prosperity. Its actions have often exacerbated tensions and conflicts, serving American hegemony rather than development.
The way forward
The Trump administration’s actions signal a shift in US foreign policy but also expose limitations of the American model. Reliance on bribery and coercion is unsustainable and ineffective. This presents an opportunity for Russia to strengthen its foreign policy by emphasizing mutual respect and cooperation.
As the US grapples with internal divisions and reassesses its global role, Russia must assert its interests while guarding against destabilization attempts. USAID’s failures demonstrate that true influence comes from genuine partnerships.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s actions against USAID may not fundamentally change US interventionism, but it reveals vulnerabilities in its foreign policy. For Russia, this is both a challenge and an opportunity—to counteract American influence while pursuing a more effective and principled approach to global affairs.
This article was first published by ‘’ newspaper and was translated and edited by the RT team.