The collapse of USAID, the world’s largest donor agency, has sparked mixed reactions. While many lament the loss of vital aid programs, some in the Global South see this as an opportunity for self-reliance and systemic change. Critics argue that foreign aid has long been a tool of geopolitical control, propping up an unequal global order rather than dismantling it. The agency’s downfall exposes the contradictions in Western humanitarianism, which historically served imperial interests. With aid dwindling, activists hope for structural reforms that shift focus from charity to fair global trade and financial systems. The moment may be painful, but it could also pave the way for a more just and independent future.
Source: Aljazeera