In a report on the state of American democracy promotion, Carothers outlines key reforms to the US Agency on International Development (USAID) that would improve the US government's capacity to promote democracy abroad. Though the report identifies a suite of flaws with USAID practices, it focuses primarily on structural reforms that would streamline aid delivery.

The proposal seeks to increase the effectiveness and the scope of USAID democracy-promotion abroad. Realizing that the Obama administration has yet to tackle USAID policy in earnest, the policy presents first steps and first principles to guide further reform.

'De-bureaucratization' – USAID’s procurement process and evaluation process delays aid delivery. USAID processes should be reformed in order to lighten reporting requirements, streamline project evaluation, and re-evaluate the management structure that governs the interactions between Washington and field offices. The goal of de-bureaucratization is to flexibly explore new and better approaches to democracy assistance.

 

'Increasing local ownership' – Recognizing that US democracy assistance is largely channeled through American NGOs, Carothers argues that there must be a new approach to local partnerships. The contracting procedure by which USAID distributes assistance should be more flexible, allowing actors on the ground discretion to pursue desired outcomes. USAID procurement should focus on delivering contracts to organizations with strong local contacts and relationships. Moreover, USAID should consider more direct investment in local organizations with relevant experience.

 

‘Strengthening the place of Democracy and Governance work’ – the bureau responsible for democracy assistance within USAID is often overlooked in favor of socioeconomic assistance. USAID should consider how all development assistance will promote democracy and improve governance. It should prioritize such effects. Selecting USAID leaders who prioritize democracy and governance will be instrumental.

 

Alternative: Focus on Governance, not Democracy – some USAID democracy assistance is focused on institutional support and governance activities, while other support is more political, supporting election monitoring and politicized civil society groups. Carothers argues that USAID is not flexible enough to effectively deliver political assistance in changing political environments. Going forward, the State Department or the National Endowment for Democracy should control the political branch of the USAID democracy assistance budget.

These reforms will require internal USAID action, though Congressional action could accelerate the reorganization. Carothers supports the increase in the USAID Development Leadership Initiative budget from $12.5 million to $20 million. The purpose of this budget increase is to target leaders who will prioritize democracy and governance.