America's Unfocused Humanitarian and Civic Assistance Programs: Is Anybody inCharge. Where are we Going

摘要

The United States military is a crucial player in America's foreign assistanceprograms. Under the State Department's overall authority, and the United States Agency for International Development's management, armed forces assets provide educational, training, construction, and humanitarian services to a significant segment of the Third World. However, in today's underdeveloped Central and South American countries, it is difficult to see a significant return on our HCA investments. Smothering poverty still exists, and even though it appears that limited Democratic institutions are beginning to emerge,, the economic and political forces which maintain poverty are still firmly in power. This paper examines why American political, economic, and military initiatives have not been more successful in focusing on, and then working to eradicate, the root causes of poverty instead of generally treating its symptoms. Also included are recommendations for organizational and structural changes which might facilitate removing the host nation oligopolies and oligarchies responsible for continuing the unfortunate status quo.