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Foreign Assistance and State Violence: A Critical Examination

Todd Turner

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Aiding and Abetting: U.S. Foreign Assistance and State Violence

by Jessica Trisko Darden

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Foreign assistance is a complex and controversial issue. On the one hand, it can be used to promote human rights, democracy, and economic development. On the other hand, it can also be used to support repressive regimes and to perpetuate violence. This article examines the complex relationship between foreign assistance and state violence, arguing that foreign assistance can both contribute to and mitigate state violence.

Foreign Assistance and State Violence: A Complex Relationship

The relationship between foreign assistance and state violence is complex and multifaceted. Foreign assistance can contribute to state violence in a number of ways. First, it can provide repressive regimes with the resources they need to stay in power. This can include providing financial support, military equipment, and training. Second, foreign assistance can legitimize repressive regimes by providing them with international recognition and support. Third, foreign assistance can create dependency relationships between donor countries and recipient countries, which can make it difficult for recipient countries to resist pressure from donors to engage in human rights abuses.

However, foreign assistance can also mitigate state violence. First, it can provide support to human rights organizations and other civil society groups that are working to promote human rights and democracy. Second, foreign assistance can help to create economic opportunities that can reduce the likelihood of conflict and violence. Third, foreign assistance can help to strengthen democratic institutions, which can make it more difficult for repressive regimes to stay in power.

Case Studies

The following case studies illustrate the complex relationship between foreign assistance and state violence:

Indonesia: In the 1960s and 1970s, the United States provided significant military assistance to Indonesia, which was used to suppress a communist insurgency. This assistance helped to prolong the conflict and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people.
El Salvador: In the 1980s, the United States provided significant military assistance to El Salvador, which was used to fight a civil war against leftist guerrillas. This assistance helped to prolong the conflict and resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people.
Rwanda: In the 1990s, the United States and other Western countries provided significant financial assistance to Rwanda, which was used to support a corrupt and repressive regime. This assistance helped to create the conditions that led to the Rwandan genocide.
Bangladesh: In the 1970s, the United States and other Western countries provided significant food aid to Bangladesh, which helped to prevent a famine. This assistance saved millions of lives and helped to create a more stable and democratic society.
South Korea: In the 1950s and 1960s, the United States provided significant economic assistance to South Korea, which helped to promote economic growth and development. This assistance helped to create a more stable and democratic society.

The relationship between foreign assistance and state violence is complex and multifaceted. Foreign assistance can both contribute to and mitigate state violence. It is important for donor countries to be aware of the potential risks and benefits of foreign assistance and to take steps to ensure that their assistance is used to promote human rights and democracy.

Aiding and Abetting: U.S. Foreign Assistance and State Violence

by Jessica Trisko Darden

5 out of 5