MCC Washington Memo

Dear Mr. President:

Congratulations on your historic win as the first African American president of the United States. I am excited that during your campaign you promised change in the approach of U.S. policy at home and abroad.

I am writing because I deeply desire to see the U.S. play a more peaceful role around the world. I am concerned that our budget priorities do not coincide with creating a more just and peaceful world. I understand that you as the next president will face many challenges with two active wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, deepening of the financial crisis and threats of terrorism. Addressing these issues will require a change in approach and change in our priorities.

The United States stands as the biggest military spender in the world. Close to fifty percent of our budget is allocated to the military with less than 1% allocated to efforts to reduce poverty and promote peace and diplomacy. This imbalanced emphasis of budgetary priority on military might has diminished international relationships and has exacerbated insecurity in many parts of the world. Rather than heavily investing in military efforts, the U.S. ought to invest in preventive strategies that repair broken relationships abroad and address root causes which lead to insecurity.

Here are three ways in which the U.S. should change its approach:

1. I urge your administration to work to expand economic aid and development efforts around the world. The law that governs U.S. foreign assistance is outdated and does not address the needs of the 21st century. Instead of fixing a broken system, the cracks of foreign aid are increasingly being filled by the DOD.  This militarization of aid not only highlights the lack of interest in effectively reforming the foreign aid system, but blurs the lines between the role of the military and the role of development agencies.  In order to effectively address issues of poverty and economic insecurity, the U.S. must renew its commitment to a reformed system of foreign assistance, which is separated from the role and mission of the military.
2. I urge your administration to invest in true and honest diplomacy. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates argued that the U.S. spends too little on diplomacy and aid to other nations.  Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice both recommended increased funding for the State Department.  Budget cuts resulted in decreasing staff, therefore limiting the capacity and effectiveness of the entire department.  Currently 700,000 civil servants work for the DOD, while the State Department employs a mere 11,500.  Without proper staffing and resources, the department is simply unable to analyze conflicts, respond to crises, and engage in serious diplomacy.  Investing in diplomacy, which aims to prevent conflict, is more economical than the current spending in Iraq and Afghanistan.  In an uncertain economic climate, mounting national debt, and massive budget deficits, the United State should pursue sustainable policies that will yield long term results, ultimately save billions of dollars and save many lives.
3. I call on your administration to reinvest in and strengthen international organizations. Unilateral and preemptive action has characterized the tone of U.S. foreign policy in recent years. Reenergizing U.S. participation and investment in the United Nations and other International Organizations would help repair damaged relationships abroad.  Building international coalitions would relieve some of the economic burden and negative perceptions the U.S. has placed on itself.  In an increasingly interconnected and globalized world, the U.S. cannot afford to isolate itself by ignoring the international community.   

These three actions, I believe, will help promote peace and increase security without resorting to costly and destructive military intervention.

Thank you for hearing my views.

Name and address