Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 08/2010

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

Cindy Prieto, David Roodman

July 2010

Center for Global Development

Abstract

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. The United States ranked 17th overall in 2009, strong in trade and security but less competitive in aid and environment. This memo describes how to boost the U.S. score and links to CGD materials with more detail.