New USAID head will strengthen its foreign policy role

Significance

The choice of Power, a former ambassador to the UN, indicates that the Biden administration intends a robust approach to international assistance that will incorporate her background in human rights. The appointment has largely been welcomed in foreign policy circles.

Impacts

• The Biden administration will use aid programmes in its efforts to re-establish ties with partners and multilateral institutions.
• Congressional control of appropriations for the agency will limit any major increase in levels of foreign assistance.
• The breadth of issues within its remit means USAID risks spreading its resources too thinly to achieve the desired impact.