At last week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which I attended, it was clear that the 2024 election is shaping up to be a defining moment not only for U.S. domestic policy but also for global development. For professionals in the field, understanding the potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy is crucial. Here are three key takeaways from the convention that could have significant implications for global development.
The convention has made one thing clear: The dynamics of the 2024 election have shifted significantly. While the race between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump was once seen as a tight contest, the potential for Vice President Kamala Harris to expand the electoral map is now very real. States such as North Carolina and Georgia, which were previously considered long shots, are now in play. This expanded map could not only secure a victory for Harris but also potentially deliver control of both the House and Senate to the Democrats.
For the global development community, this shift is profound. A Democratic sweep puts increased foreign assistance back on the table after years of cuts, and opens up the opportunity to rethink and redesign the U.S. development agencies. Instead of the usual partisan battles over funding, appointments, and authorities, there may be a window to push for more money and more reforms at the same time.
About the author
Raj Kumarraj_devex
Raj Kumar is the President and Editor-in-Chief at Devex, the media platform for the global development community. He is a media leader and former humanitarian council chair for the World Economic Forum and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. His work has led him to more than 50 countries, where he has had the honor to meet many of the aid workers and development professionals who make up the Devex community. He is the author of the book "The Business of Changing the World," a go-to primer on the ideas, people, and technology disrupting the aid industry.
