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Prevention is better foreign policy than reaction

National security has always been one of the U.S.'s top priorities. It's why our military budget dwarfs that of any other country. The "zero tolerance" policies on immigration were also in the name of national security. Even the recent bout of protectionist policies are allegedly justified through national security. But, these are all reactionary approaches to national security threats - reactions that typically have high costs and no real winners.

Prevention is much more efficient. The Borgen Project is an organization that helps reduce global poverty by advocating for increased U.S. foreign aid. Aside from the obvious humanitarian benefits, investing in development also has national security implications.

Foreign aid helps bring economic and political stability to communities that would otherwise be breeding grounds for violence and extremism. Prevention through poverty reduction is also a more cost effective strategy: as Robert Gates, the former secretary of defense says, "Development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers."

And as we have recently seen, hardline deterrents through trade and immigration have negative side-effects for all involved.

Despite these clear benefits, U.S. foreign aid accounts for less than one percent of the federal budget. It's time to get ahead of these issues and invest in the vulnerable communities.

Liesl Hostetter

Lisle

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