Trump

President Donald Trump on Tuesday proposed drastically slashing U.S. foreign aid spending in Mexico and Central America, which are struggling with drug violence, graft and poverty.  2018 Mexican aid of $87.66 million, down more than 45 percent from the 2016 outlay. The budget proposes scrapping most U.S. money for the Mexican military, along with counterterrorism funds and some governance programs. In Guatemala, U.S. aid would drop almost 40 percent from 2016, to $80.66 million, while in Honduras and El Salvador it would fall nearly a third.

The United States has announced plans to increase its funding levels to Zimbabwe, particularly in the health sector — despite a diplomatic tiff between Washington and Harare. [...]    “We are very heartened that our Congress just passed the budget within the last few days and our President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) funding is remaining constant. In fact it will likely grow to almost $150m next year,” said Thomas.

2I4A7393, by Rob Walsh

Nick Cull responds to a reader's questions on U.S.-Russia relations and global stability today compared to the Cold War.

Big Brother, by Thomas Cizauskas

What does the Trump administration's anti-media environment mean for the Voice of America?

Advice for the new administration on public diplomacy and national security, drawing on past lessons.

A look into how the refugee crisis is being shaped by the new administration

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