Against Aid presents a complex and diverse history of opposition to U.S. foreign aid spending, explaining why critics challenged aid and how they had a significant impact on U.S. foreign policy. Foreign aid was an integral part of U.S. foreign policy during the Cold War. U.S. leaders hoped aid spending could modernize other societies, create steadfast allies, and promote global stability, but there was always considerable opposition. Jeffrey F. Taffet skillfully examines aid's opponents and shows how they questioned the assumptions that the United States needed to be globally engaged. He argues that aid's opponents forced changes in U.S. aid programs which dramatically reduced overall spending and limited support for dictatorships. Taffet also makes a larger argument, that in fighting aid, opponents were challenging essential views about the nation and its global role that transcended debates about how much to spend. They were arguing about the appropriate use of national power, and the essence of the nation's purpose. This book is essential reading for courses in American Politics, International Studies, and history of American foreign policy. Students will benefit from the broad, chronological scope and accessible narrative of the text.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138345270
Author Jeffrey F. Taffet
Format Hardback
Page Count 228
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 152g