Civil Society

The world is entering a new era characterized by reduced U.S. foreign aid across all sectors. CSIS scholars are at the forefront of analysis on the impacts of civil society organizations and foreign aid distribution around the world.

Photo: AlinStock/Adobe Stock

Photo: AlinStock/Adobe Stock

How Civil Society Exposes the Human Rights Risks of the Digital Silk Road

Emboldened authoritarian actors are no longer content to repress human rights in their own countries, but feel confident in their ability to share their tactics and technology across borders. Local civil society organizations stand at the front line against these mounting threats.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — January 27, 2026

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Noam Unger

Noam Unger

Vice President, Global Development Department, Director, Sustainable Development and Resilience Initiative and Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
Hadeil Ali

Hadeil Ali

Chief of Staff, Global Development Department and Director, Diversity and Leadership in International Affairs Program
Romina Bandura

Romina Bandura

Senior Fellow, Project on Prosperity and Development
Caitlin Welsh

Caitlin Welsh

Director, Global Food and Water Security Program

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How Civil Society Exposes the Human Rights Risks of the Digital Silk Road

Emboldened authoritarian actors are no longer content to repress human rights in their own countries, but feel confident in their ability to share their tactics and technology across borders. Local civil society organizations stand at the front line against these mounting threats.

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — January 27, 2026

The U.S. Army and a Second Manhattan Project for AI

To win the AI race, the U.S. Army must again serve as a national integrator—mobilizing talent, securing infrastructure, and modernizing forces, just as it did during the original Manhattan Project.

Commentary by Jake S. Kwon and Benjamin Jensen — November 21, 2025

A New Landscape for Development: Examining Impacts, Capabilities, and Opportunities

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. This compendium dives deep into the impacts on fields across the development ecosystem and potential opportunities within this new landscape.

Digital Report by Hadeil Ali, Andrew Friedman, Noam Unger, J. Stephen Morrison, Katherine E. Bliss, Romina Bandura, Caitlin Welsh, David Michel, Rose Parker, and Joely Virzi — November 13, 2025

A New Landscape for Development: Recommendations

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. These recommendations provide guidance on how the U.S. can engage meaningfully and productively in the world despite the significant changes.

Digital Report by Noam Unger, Andrew Friedman, and Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025

USAID Youth Engagement: A Potential Generation Lost?

The halting of USAID’s youth programming represents a critical inflection point for U.S. development policy. The termination risks reversing gains in employment, social cohesion, and civic participation that underpin economic and democratic resilience.

Commentary by Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025

A New Landscape for Development: The Ground Has Shifted

Cuts to foreign assistance have been among the most sweeping changes of the second Trump administration. This digital report examines the context, current state, and early impacts of these dramatic changes and opportunities within this new landscape.

Digital Report by Noam Unger, Andrew Friedman, and Hadeil Ali — November 13, 2025

False Choices: Balancing Democracy and Development in U.S. Africa Policy

The shift in U.S. foreign policy to prioritize commercial diplomacy over democracy support presents a false dichotomy. As African partners adjust to the U.S. retreat as an advocate for democracy, this approach risks long-term consequences for U.S.-Africa relations.

Commentary by Oge Onubogu and Khasai Makhulo — October 21, 2025