Today's edition of The State includes an op-ed by Fmr. SC Governor, US Education Secretary, and SC New Democrats Founder Richard Riley and Fmr. SC House Speaker and US Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins, discussing the looming imperative of investment in foreign aid and international development as a tool for economic success right here at home in South Carolina.
From The State:
The world has changed since 9/11, and the global challenges we face require not only a strong defense but also effective development and diplomacy programs. This approach has come to be known as "smart power," where we use our tools of development and diplomacy along with a strong defense to respond to the challenges abroad in a more effective, coordinated fashion.
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but an American one. Our congressional delegation has a chance to make a real difference for South Carolina by showcasing the strong bipartisan support that exists for smart power and why these programs are in our communities' and nation's self-interest.
So how does smart power help South Carolina? First, it is an economic benefit. Our state is growing more reliant on international trade every year. In 2008, South Carolina exported goods to foreign markets generating revenues that totaled almost $20 billion. In 2006, international trade supported more than 403,000 jobs in South Carolina- more than 17 percent of total jobs in our state. Given that developing countries are America's fastest growing markets, representing 40 percent of U.S. exports, it is critical that our country invests overseas to enhance and build marketplaces for S.C. goods.
Assisting countries around the world also ensures stable societies that provide real opportunities for people, which prevents conflict before it even begins. That is why one of the greatest proponents of using smart power is Secretary of Defense Robert Gates. Secretary Gates has said, "One of the most important lessons of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan is that military success is not sufficient to win: Economic development, institution-building and the rule of law, promoting internal reconciliation, good governance, providing basic services to the people, training and equipping indigenous military and police forces, strategic communications, and more - these, along with security, are essential ingredients for long-term success."
Secretary Gates is not alone in his assessment. More than 50 retired senior military leaders wrote President Obama encouraging him to increase the international affairs budget, the small but important part of the federal budget that funds crucial investments in development and diplomacy.
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