After more than three months of waiting, USAID might have an administrator. Yesterday President Obama nominated former Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Research, Education, and Economics Dr. Rajiv Shah as USAID Czar. But this is only the beginning of the fight. If Shah is confirmed, he takes over an organization struggling to find its way. More and more federal organizations are taking big steps into the development world, most notably the US military. If USAID is to remain relevant, Shah must build solid and productive relationships with these newcomers, turning usurpers into partners. If he doesn’t, USAID risks becoming sidelined to the strategic development goals of the US military and other organizations. I do not envy Shah, but wish him luck.
Christopher Albon is a Ph.D. candidate specializing in armed conflict, public health, human security, and health diplomacy.
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