RRU in the media: Foreign aid benefits everyone

International aid is a way for wealthier countries to help low-income people in the global South access food, shelter, clean water, and life-saving medication. But it’s not just about helping others, and the United States – where Trump’s administration has significantly cut foreign assistance funding – will likely experience widespread impacts.  

Sean Irwin, associate professor in Royal Roads University's School of Business, explains how foreign aid can support a nation’s security, geopolitical presence, health and prosperity in an opinion piece for the Globe and Mail.  

Here’s an excerpt from the article:  

“By reducing poverty and insecurity, we take away some of the key underlying drivers of violence, including international terrorism. Our prosperity is also put at risk when we cut foreign aid. Countries that view us positively are more likely to provide a friendly environment for our businesses, entrepreneurs and investors.  

Aid can also help reduce pressure for immigration, which is useful as the US, and increasingly Canada, seek to reduce immigration numbers. Helping other countries become safer and have greater economic opportunities reduces reasons for people in those countries to leave. Perhaps the most personal and direct benefit of international assistance for the average person is safety and hospitality when they are abroad. The advantages of wearing a maple leaf on your backpack did not just come from Canadians saying please and thank you a lot.” 

Read the full article in the Globe and Mail (subscription required).