U.S. Soft Power Tools

The Project on Prosperity and Development at CSIS convenes a broad range of stakeholders, to re-evaluate the soft-power tools needed to meet contemporary threats to U.S. strategic interests and the interests of the global community at-large

Today’s developing world is fundamentally different than it was just ten years ago, making it imperative that policymakers and strategists shaping U.S. foreign policy keep pace with these changes. Currently, there are two paths for developing countries: dozens are more affluent, freer, healthier, and more self-sufficient, while others still struggle mightily. Since 2002, every White House National Security Strategy has cited failed, fragile, or failing states as a critical global security challenge. Thus, U.S. foreign assistance must play a crucial role, but it must be applied to different challenges and opportunities to reflect a changed world.

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Opportunities for Development Cooperation in Lao Strategic Sectors

Renewable energy, high-value agriculture, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are three economic sectors of strategic importance for U.S.-Laos development cooperation and can create more sustainable growth for Laos moving forward from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Brief by Daniel F. Runde, Romina Bandura, and Rachel Lee — March 7, 2022

Opportunities for U.S. Development Cooperation in Laos

As Laos continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, the United States has the opportunity to assist Laos with modernizing its economy, bridging healthcare gaps, identifying new areas of growth, and strengthening U.S.-Laos relations.

Report by Daniel F. Runde, Romina Bandura, and Rachel Lee — December 6, 2021

Whither the Journey to Self-Reliance?

Will the Journey to Self-Reliance framework for USAID that started under the last administration be continued under the new administrator? Daniel Runde joins The Wilson Center's William Steiger and Christopher Maloney to explore this more.

Commentary by Daniel F. Runde, William Steiger, and Christopher Maloney — August 12, 2021