Executive Summary

The US Agency for International Development (USAID), created in 1961 to counter the spread of communism, has continued to play a key role in American foreign policy and influence until now. The Trump administration in February began cancelling 83% of USAID programs, decreasing the staff, and also shuttering offices. This has affected the role and efficacy of non-governmental organisations, humanitarian programs, and foreign government budgets around the world. The decrease in aid and USAID involvement creates a vacuum on the soft power battleground. It allows both Russia and China to expand their spheres of influence and become stronger regional powers. 

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