Twenty Concrete Steps to Improve the United States’ Commitment to Development

The United States ranked 17th on the 2009 Commitment to Development Index. It is strong in trade and security but less competitive in aid and environment. This note describes how to boost the U.S. score with proposals for all seven CDI components, including untying aid from U.S. goods and services, refusing political risk insurance for investment projects that are made viable only by import restrictions, and setting a gradually rising floor on gasoline prices.

The Commitment to Development Index (CDI) ranks 22 rich countries on their dedication to policies that benefit poor nations. Looking beyond standard comparisons of foreign aid flows, the CDI measures national policies on aid, trade, investment, migration, environment, security, and technology.

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