At this virtual book event, Dr. Hussain Nadim, a former Wilson Center fellow, will discuss his new study of aid, politics, and the war of narratives in U.S.-Pakistan relations. It uses as a case study the Kerry-Lugar Berman Act, a bill signed into law by President Obama in 2009 that tripled U.S. civilian assistance to Pakistan. Based on interviews and data analysis of US foreign aid datasets, Nadim’s book argues that U.S. aid to Pakistan is deeply securitized and encourages power struggles between Washington and Islamabad, and also between civilian and military actors in Pakistan. Additionally, Nadim will discuss the implications of his findings for US-Pakistan relations, and possible ways forward for the relationship. Nadia Naviwala, a Wilson Center global fellow and former staffer on Capitol Hill and at USAID, will provide commentary after Nadim’s opening remarks.
The online audience will be able to submit questions for the speaker and commentator during the event. You may also submit questions in advance to asia@wilsoncenter.org or via Twitter @AsiaProgram.
SPEAKERS
Hussain Nadim
Former Fellow;
Former Executive Director, Islamabad Policy Research Institute
Nadia Naviwala
Global Fellow;
Independent Writer on Foreign Aid, Local Philanthropy, Civil Society, and Education in Pakistan; Former USIP Country Representative for Pakistan, Former USAID Pakistan Desk Officer; Former U.S. Senate National Security Aide; Former Public Policy Fellow;