The United States is the world’s largest donor of foreign aid, giving billions of dollars each year to countries in need. The amount of aid a country receives is determined by a number of factors, including its level of poverty, commitment to democracy and human rights, and its strategic importance to the United States.
Public opinion polls show that most Americans believe that too much of the federal budget is devoted to foreign aid. However, most Americans overestimate the actual share of the budget spent on foreign aid. A 2016 Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that respondents estimated that foreign aid accounted for an average of 26% of the federal budget, when in reality foreign aid typically accounts for less than 1% of federal spending.
Despite this misconception, the United States provides more foreign aid in total dollars than any other country in the world. Between 2012 and 2021, the United States distributed more than $530 billion in foreign aid globally. In 2021 alone, the United States gave approximately $52.4 billion abroad.
US foreign aid commitments include both economic support, which includes humanitarian spending, and military support. Foreign aid can take many forms, ranging from counterterrorism initiatives funded by the State Department to HIV/AIDS prevention programs funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. The ForeignAssistance.gov website, managed by the State Department and USAID, tracks international assistance from various US government agencies.
In 2021, military aid amounted to 12.5% of total foreign aid spending, which is a significant decrease compared to the 23% it was in 2020. Economic aid, on the other hand, accounted for about 87.5%, which is a significant increase in compared to its share of 77%. in 2020
Which countries receive the most foreign aid from the United States?
According to US News and World Report, these are the top 5 countries receiving the largest amount of foreign aid as of 2021:
- Israel ($3.3 billion)
- Jordan ($1.6 billion)
- Afghanistan ($1.4 billion)
- Ethiopia ($1.39 billion)
- Egypt ($1.29 billion)
1. Israel
Source: The Times of Israel
Israel has been the largest recipient of US foreign aid for decades. In 2022, Israel received $3.8 billion in US foreign aid, mostly in the form of military aid. The United States has a longstanding commitment to Israel’s security, and American foreign aid helps ensure that Israel can maintain a quality military advantage over its regional adversaries.
2. Jordan
Source: Lonely Planet
Jordan is the second largest recipient of US foreign aid. In 2021, Jordan received $1.6 billion in US foreign aid, mostly in the form of economic aid. The United States has a strong interest in Jordan’s stability, and American foreign aid helps support Jordan’s economy and its efforts to house Syrian refugees.
3. Afghanistan
Source: Foreign Policy
Afghanistan is the third largest recipient of US foreign aid. Most of this aid is in the form of humanitarian aid, which is necessary to meet the basic needs of the Afghan people. The United States has been the main donor of aid to Afghanistan for decades. Since the 2001 invasion, the US has given the country more than $130 billion in aid. This aid has been used to support a wide range of programs and activities
4. Ethiopia
Ethiopia is a major recipient of foreign aid from the United States. In 2021, the United States provided Ethiopia with $1.39 billion in foreign aid, making it the country’s largest donor. Most of this aid is in the form of humanitarian aid, which is used to meet the basic needs of the Ethiopian people. The United States also provides Ethiopia with development assistance, which is used to support economic growth and reduce poverty.
Egypt
The United States has a strong interest in Egypt’s stability. A stable and prosperous Egypt is crucial to the security and stability of the Middle East. US foreign aid helps support Egypt’s economic development by providing funding for infrastructure projects, education and training programs, and small business development. This aid helps create jobs and reduce poverty in Egypt.
US foreign aid also helps support Egypt’s democratic reforms. This aid is used to strengthen civil society, promote the rule of law and support independent media. These programs help ensure that the Egyptian people have a voice in their government and that their rights are protected.
Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education