Carter, Reagan, and Congress: The Changing Dynamics of Security Assistance and Arms Sales
Abstract
With the exception of the battle over the defense budget, few government-funded programs evoke as much emotion as the U. S. investment in international affairs. Despite the fact that foreign aid consumes less than 2% of the federal budget each year, acrimonious debate ensues annually over the "free ride" given to other countries in spite of our own pressing economic and budgetary difficulties. Yet, proponents argue that foreign aid, and in particular security assistance and the closely related activity of arms sales, provide a return on investment far beyond the nominal dollars spent. U.S. security assistance and arms sales policies can be examined in terms of their political, military, and economic contributions to U.S. national security policy. The analysis herein reviews Legislative and Executive Branch influence on security assistance and arms sales over the last twenty years and argues that while the economic and military benefits of these policies are debatable, important positive effects on our bilateral foreign relations can be observed. In addition, an argument will be made that the process has become far too politicized for any significant reforms to be instituted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA497103
Entities
People
- Thomas M. Meagher
Organizations
- Defense Security Cooperation Agency