USAID’s controversial role in global democracy and geopolitics AnewZ report

A new report on AnewZ TV focuses on USAID’s operations across various countries and its impact on the region.

Since its establishment in 1961, USAID has operated under the slogan of promoting democracy, economic development, and human rights. However, its actions in the post-Soviet space have led to accusations of interference in the internal affairs of these nations.

The story highlights that USAID’s future became uncertain with the arrival of Donald Trump’s administration. The agency faced strong criticism, and Trump himself stated that USAID was advancing a “radical left agenda.” As part of the reform process, USAID’s staff was drastically reduced from 10,000 to 290 people, its headquarters was dismantled, and its official website was shut down. Furthermore, it is noted that Elon Musk openly referred to USAID as a “criminal organization” and called for its liquidation. However, legal obstacles have prevented the administration from completely closing down the agency.

The report provides data showing that over the past 30 years, USAID has directed billions of dollars towards supporting democracy, media, and civil society in the region:

• $450 million for supporting media, NGOs, and economic reforms (without specifying the exact countries)
• Georgia: $1.8 billion for democratic reforms, judicial system improvements, and energy security
• Armenia: $3.3 billion for humanitarian aid and strengthening civil society
• Ukraine: Over $3 billion until 2022, and an additional $16.6 billion in 2023 after the escalation of the conflict with Russia
• Moldova: $2.6 billion, primarily for electoral reforms and support for European integration

The feature further explores how USAID’s activities have caused tensions with the authorities of various countries. In several cases, the agency was forced to scale back or cease its operations.

It is also mentioned in the report that USAID has been repeatedly linked to supporting protest movements:

• Ukraine (2014) – Accusations of financing the Maidan protests that resulted in a change of government
• Georgia (2003) – Support for NGOs that played a pivotal role in the Rose Revolution
• Armenia (2018) – Aid to organizations that contributed to Nikol Pashinyan’s rise to power

The report emphasizes that under the administration of Joe Biden, USAID received a record budget of $74 billion in 2022. However, with Donald Trump’s potential return to office, the agency’s future remains uncertain. In the current political climate, USAID faces the possibility of either dissolution or a radical transformation. Meanwhile, its activities in the post-Soviet region remain a contentious subject — some view USAID as an instrument for democratization, while others see it as a tool for US geopolitical influence, which is met with negative reactions in certain countries.

By Tamilla Hasanova