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THE CHEVRON FORUM ON DEVELOPMENT: SUMMARY

Core Content

The Chevron Forum on Development, held on June 3, 2011, was a pivotal discussion on the role of development in U.S. foreign policy and national security, featuring Dr. Condoleezza Rice and General James L. Jones. The forum marked the launch of the CSIS Project on U.S. Leadership in Development, which focuses on integrating development, defense, and democracy into a cohesive strategy to address global challenges and promote stability.

Main Views

The discussion emphasized that development is not only a moral imperative but also a critical component of U.S. national security. The 9/11 attacks redefined U.S. security priorities, shifting the focus from traditional state threats to the risks posed by fragile and failing states. These states, often characterized by weak governance, lack of basic services, and economic underdevelopment, can become breeding grounds for terrorism, corruption, and transnational crime.

To effectively address these challenges, the U.S. must adopt a holistic approach to global engagement, combining defense, development, and democracy in a strategic and coordinated manner. The goal is to support the creation of "responsible sovereigns" — stable, democratic, and economically viable nations — which can contribute to global peace and security.

Key Information

• Development as a Security Issue: Development is now recognized as a key factor in national security, with the U.S. needing to address the root causes of instability and insecurity.
• Holistic Approach: U.S. foreign policy should integrate defense, development, and democracy to create sustainable stability and prosperity.
• Role of the Private Sector: The private sector plays a vital role in development by investing, creating jobs, and promoting trade. It should be partnered with the government to achieve shared objectives.
• Strategic Synchronization: Public and private sectors should work in tandem, with the government creating an enabling environment for private investment and the private sector contributing resources and expertise.
• Need for Reform: The U.S. government must reform its development administration structures to be more efficient and aligned with current national security and economic priorities.
• Use of Existing Tools: Institutions like OPIC and MCC should be leveraged to support development efforts, and interagency cooperation should be strengthened.
• Fiscal and Political Challenges: Legislative and budgetary constraints, particularly on Capitol Hill, pose barriers to more flexible and effective development funding.
• Global Development as a National Interest: Supporting development globally is in the economic and security interests of the U.S., as it promotes healthier communities and reduces the risk of conflict.

Key Takeaways for the Development Community

• Public-Private Collaboration: The U.S. government and private sector have complementary roles in development. The government should create the right conditions, while the private sector should invest and innovate.
• Long-Term Vision: Development efforts must be forward-thinking and long-term, focusing on building sustainable institutions and economies.
• Proactive Engagement: The U.S. should anticipate needs and engage in development before conflicts escalate, focusing on free trade, democratic institutions, and economic growth.
• Domestic Reforms Needed: The U.S. must modernize its development administration to reflect current threats and economic realities.
• Adapt Legal Frameworks: The legal environment in the U.S., especially related to free trade, should be adapted to encourage private sector participation in global development.

U.S.-Palestinian Partnership: A Case Study

The U.S.-Palestinian Partnership (UPP), launched in 2007, is a public-private initiative aimed at promoting economic vitality and security in the West Bank. It supports economic growth and civic engagement by enhancing youth centers, attracting investment, and developing key industries such as information and communication technology, hotel and tourism, and agribusiness.

The UPP has supported several innovative projects, including the Palestine Investment Conference in Bethlehem, the Middle East Venture Capital Fund, and a University Partnership focused on hospitality. It is now managed by the Aspen Institute's Partners for a New Beginning, with new public-private partnerships inspired by the UPP model.

The initiative underscores the importance of integrating governance, security, and development in fragile regions to unlock prosperity and long-term peace. As negotiations between Israel and Palestine continue, such partnerships are essential to building the economic institutions necessary for a lasting solution.

Conclusion

The Chevron Forum on Development highlights the evolving role of development in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing its strategic importance in promoting national security and global stability. The U.S.-Palestinian Partnership serves as a practical example of how integrated development efforts can contribute to peace and economic growth in conflict-affected regions. The discussion calls for a rethinking of U.S. development strategies, with a focus on collaboration, long-term vision, and domestic reform.