Researching and reading about the agency's many programs and initiatives has been enlightening. Although familiar with several assistance programs, I knew little about how the organization is funded or “actually” operates. The United States Agency for International Development (US AID) was established in the 1960s by an executive order issued by President Kennedy (US AID, 2014). The agency combines development assistance with foreign policy promotion to advance U.S. interests abroad (US AID, 2014). In other words – and as stated on its website – US AID “reflects both the compassion of the American people and their support for human dignity, while advancing American foreign policy interests” (US AID, 2014). With an annual budget of less than 1 percent of the total federal budget, which amounted to $51.6 billion (combined Department of State and USAID budget) in 2013 and $47.8 billion (combined budget (USAID, 2014). Budgetary justifications include conflict prevention through strategic funding of international organizations, collaboration with foreign governments, as well as the ability to respond to the dynamic political, economic, and social environment of globalization (US AID, 2014 ). According to its own words, USAID “works in more than 100 countries” (USAID, 2014): • Promote widely shared economic prosperity; • Strengthen democracy and good governance; • Protect human rights; • Improve global health; • Advance food security and agriculture; • Improve environmental sustainability; • Continuing education; • Help societies prevent and recover from conflicts; and • Ensuring human development...... middle of paper ...... international development (US AID). (2014). Feeding Africa. Retrieved from http://www.usaid.gov/powerafricaUnited States Agency for International Development (US AID). (2014). Adventures in Wildlife Scouting: Monitoring Wildlife Farms to Prevent Disease. Retrieved from http://blog.usaid.gov/2014/01/adventures-in-wildlife-screening-monitoring-wildlife-farms-to-prevent-disease/United States Agency for International Development (US AID). (2013). The Ethiopian government partners with the G8 to improve land governance. Retrieved from http://www.usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/dec-9-2013-government-ethiopia-partners-g8-improve-land-governance Willies, E. (2013). The American form of capitalism is killing free enterprise and democracy. Kos daily. Retrieved from http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/09/01/1234954/-America-s-form-of-capitalism-kills-free-enterprise-and-democracy