The 3Ds: Development Must Not Be Subservient to U.S. Diplomatic or Security Objectives

Posted on 12 May 2010

By Peter Bell

In late April, Sherine Jayawickrama’s post Great Expectations, Rising Impatience: A Watershed Moment for U.S. Foreign Assistance posed several questions. Steve Feldstein responded to her question related to the evident imbalance among the 3Ds (defense, diplomacy and development).  This post provides a different perspective on the question.

I appreciate Steve Feldstein’s effort to combine principle and pragmatism in his comment on the 3 Ds; yet his bow to the political realism of Washington leaves me uneasy.

What does it mean for development to be “an indispensable partner” to defense and diplomacy?  Over the long term, I do believe that economic growth, equitable development, poverty reduction and effective governance everywhere is in the U.S. national interest. Human security throughout the world will advance our national security.

The problem is that so much of U.S. defense policy and diplomatic practice is driven by short-term considerations—conflicts and crises.  By its very nature, development (the empowerment of individuals, families, communities and nations to exercise an increasing measure of control over important decisions in their lives) demands a multi-decade perspective.  All too often, foreign aid that has been guided by or coupled with short-term political objectives has proven ineffective for development.

If defense and diplomacy are to be “partners” with development, they should be in a parallel partnership.  The advancement of development and reduction of poverty must become strategic objectives in their own right—not subservient to other diplomatic or security objectives.  Development is not about winning hearts and minds or about winning votes for our side in international forums.  It is about working with governments and people in impoverished countries, so that they can stand on their own two feet.

Peter D. Bell is a Senior Research Fellow at the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Harvard University.