2 weeks Ago
By Gov. Mark Schweiker Foreign aid may seem like a distant concern for Pennsylvanians, affecting countries far from home. But in reality, strategic diplomacy and well-placed foreign assistance play a crucial role in protecting our security and strengthening our economy—making a direct impact on our lives here in the Commonwealth to the tune of nearly 1.
6 million jobs supported by international trade, or 20 percent of overall jobs. President Trump is taking a hard look at our international assistance programs to ensure they align with American interests. He’s right to do so – overhauling these programs requires an outside perspective that can identify and address inefficiencies or misuse.
However, that’s not the only perspective that should be part of the conversation. We must not lose sight of the ways in which soft power initiatives can directly benefit Pennsylvanians, whether through real-world jobs in your community or strengthening national security. The global geopolitical landscape is always evolving.
To maintain influence and national security, all three pillars of a strong republic must remain intact: diplomacy, military and economy. Foreign assistance and diplomacy boost America’s economic strength. They stem the flow of international threats before they reach our shores.
They strengthen our national security against our enemies and keep Americans safe. Take Africa, for example. The African continent is an economically strategic region that has been hit hard by recent funding cuts to U.
S. foreign assistance. Africa holds 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, many of which are key resources for building technology such as data centers and batteries for American vehicles.
It’s estimated that by 2050, the global demand for critical minerals will rise dramatically – demand will double for nickel, triple for cobalt and rise tenfold for lithium. International assistance sent to African countries now will benefit American industry in the future. This will ultimately support the economic upturn President Trump has promised.
Building strong economic relationships with African companies and countries in the present day will ensure that American companies have access to these critical minerals later and can remain competitive with foreign rivals, like China. China is fully aware of the strategic importance of diplomacy and economic investment abroad. Last fall, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China would provide more than $50 billion in financial support to Africa over the next three years to strengthen the China-Africa relationship.
Make no mistake, their investment has strings attached. In fact, it’s a strategic play to strengthen China’s geopolitical standing in a strategically important region. China is playing the long game.
We must do the same. Another long-term issue where foreign assistance makes a big impact is in stopping the flow of dangerous drugs before they reach our border. International assistance supports programs in Mexico and Central America working to control the flow of illicit drugs at America’s southern border, including fentanyl.
The United States provides funding for law enforcement training and anti-narcotics operations in countries like Colombia, Mexico and Ecuador. Much of the funding for these efforts comes from the State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) but has recently been paused. President Trump has made stemming the flow of fentanyl a central focus of his administration, and rightly so.
In Pennsylvania alone, 76 percent of overdose deaths in 2023 involved fentanyl. We need to be working on multiple fronts to combat the fentanyl crisis. Sending targeted international aid to groups working to control the flow of illegal drugs can stop these harmful substances from entering our country.
It can save American lives. Funding critical programs like these uses about one percent of the federal budget. That’s an enormous return on investment.
Ultimately, strategic foreign aid is not just an act of goodwill—it’s a powerful investment in America’s security and economic future. By fostering stability and economic opportunity abroad, we create jobs in Pennsylvania, strengthen key markets for American businesses and prevent threats like illicit drugs and international crime from reaching our shores. Smart foreign assistance isn’t charity; it’s an influential strategic tool that keeps us safe and drives long-term prosperity.
For the good of Pennsylvania and the nation, this is an investment we cannot afford to ignore. Mark Schweiker served as the 44th governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is currently an Executive-in-Residence for the Homeland Security Program in the Rider University Department of Political Science.
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