America in the World's Briefings

American aid to the developing world

America is sometimes attacked for its lack of generosity in aid to the developing world. The reality, when all forms of aid are considered, is of very high levels of generosity.

Government aid
In 2006, the United States government gave $23.53 billion in overseas development assistance.[1] In absolute terms, this is the highest figure, almost twice the $12.46 billion given by the UK, the next highest. As a share of the American economy, it is, however, a low figure by comparison with most wealthy nations (0.18% as opposed to an average 0.31%).[2] This latter figure is often used in isolation, and presented as demonstrating America’s lack of generosity and lack of engagement with the outside world, but is not a complete picture.

America's economy drives global entrepreneurship and prosperity

The United States of America accounts for 6% of the world's land mass and about 6% of its people, yet its economy generates around 30% of global GDP[1]
America's economic engine is not only the largest, but it is also the most dynamic and innovative, well evidenced by the fact more than 40% of all Nobel Prize recipients are from the U.S.[2]

America’s role in space exploration and development

Discovering the principles of space travel and rocketry
America was one of three nations that independently developed the fundamental principles of space travel and rocketry (the others being Russia and Germany). Robert Goddard, Hermann Oberth and Konstantin Tsiokovskii are the three fundamental discoverers of space flight.

America and the Second World War

A number of historical misconceptions circulate about America’s role in the Second World War. They include the idea that America began helping Britain only when attacked herself, and that American aid to Britain before that date came in the teeth of pervasive hostility by the American public, stirred up by anti-British ‘isolationists’. The fact that America was brought fully into the war in December 1941 by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour, with Germany declaring war four days later, has created the false impression that America was completely separated from the war before unprovoked Axis aggression reluctantly forced the US into the conflict.

The American military and its role in the world

The United States has the worlds highest military spending by a large margin. American defence expenditure actually accounts for 45% of the worlds total,[1] a figure often attacked as excessive. But this expenditure should be understood in the context of the benefits it brings the rest of the world, as well as in defending the United States. Michael Mandelbaum talks of Americas defence expenditure as a "public good" that it has given to the world.[2]

America and Scientific Research and Development

The United States is often criticised for using up 25% of the world's resources while comprising only 5% of its population. In fact, America contributes substantially to global growth through its contributions in terms of scientific research and development and education of foreign-born scientists.

America provides 31% of all global scientific research and development funding
In 2007, America provided $353 billion in R&D funding, out of a world total of $1.1 trillion.  This compares to $65 billion from Germany, $44 billion from France and $40 billion from the UK.