The United States spends approximately $38 billion on foreign aid for economic and military assistance to various nations worldwide. The support is meant to enhance partnerships and cohesion between countries, but ever since Russia fully invaded Ukraine, this has now been questioned.

Taking advantage of Russia’s aggression to coerce an exhausted US government dealing with multiple conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and East Asia, some allies look to get concessions out of Washington by threatening closer ties with geopolitical rivals despite the annual aid.

What Is Foreign Aid?

Foreign aid can include technical, economic, military, and humanitarian assistance to any nation that supports a common interest with the United States. According to a Brookings Institute article, it only accounts for less than 1% of the overall federal budget. This is because the US is vastly more economically wealthy than most other nations and sees a return on investment in its aid.