Aid Expert Recommends Re-thinking Aid Strategies to Reduce Terrorism

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Denis Dragovic spent three years in Iraq in senior positions with U.S. based nongovernmental organizations, and has extensive experience in emergency response and post-conflict environments in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.  In an Oct. 5, 2009 Journal of Humanitarian Assistance article titled Terrorism and the Aid Industry: A Back to Basics Plan, he argues that now is the time for an approach to the relationship between aid and reducing terrorism "that recognizes the importance of how aid is being delivered and not just how much, an approach that recognizes the opportunity to tackle poverty and violent extremism concurrently rather than prioritizing national security and combating extremism through the cooption and at the expense of the poverty alleviation agenda."

Dragovic's article first cites studies that debunk the idea that poverty is the root cause of terrorism, leading him to the conclusion that "aid focused on poverty reduction cannot contribute to efforts at reducing terrorism or violent extremism.  That is, as long as aid is solely designed to alleviate poverty." He then goes on to criticize U.S. foreign aid programs that only increase amounts, without addressing critical methods, such as "smaller grass roots projects involving community mobilization, consultation and context specific programming."

The recommendations stress better USAID preparation for emergency response, separation of church and state in programs, getting away from one-size-fits all approaches and partnering with community organizations.