U.S. Foreign Assistance in Georgia: Humanitarian and Economic Programs, 1990–2020

Abstract

The article provides the analysis of the volume, dynamics, objectives, interests, and outcomes of the foreign assistance provided by the United States to Georgia between 1990 and 2020. It should be noted that U.S. foreign assistance to Georgia has not been adequately studied; information in both Georgian and international sources is limited and fragmented, and data on specific projects are often unavailable. Official U.S. sources provide information on the volume and dynamics of assistance, as well as comparative data with other countries. Consequently, these sources offer statistical data but not analytical insight. Therefore, the accessibility of relevant information, knowledge, and analysis remains a challenge for interested individuals and future researchers.

The information presented in this article is primarily based on open-source data, including information available on public agency websites and in media publications. Additionally, I conducted interviews with individuals involved in U.S.-funded development programs.

U.S. foreign assistance to Georgia is part of the country’s modern history. Many individuals who participated in the planning and implementation of specific programs remain actively engaged in Georgia’s development today. Therefore, information obtained directly from such primary sources is valuable for understanding the planning, execution, and evaluation of these programs. In this regard, I spoke with Murman Margvelashvili (member of the Association of Energy Engineers, founder of the NGO World Experience for Georgia, and participant in various USAID energy projects since 1994) regarding U.S. energy programs in Georgia. I also interviewed Mikheil Darchiashvili (foreign relations specialist and diplomat) about U.S.–Georgia relations.

The article consists of Abstract, keywords, introduction, main part, conclusion, and literature review.

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the humanitarian and socio-economic assistance provided by the United States to Georgia. Since the U.S. began supporting Georgia’s development immediately after it gained independence, the research period covers 1990–2020. However, considering the duration of certain programs, the analysis extends in some cases up to 2023.

In 2025, the structure of U.S. foreign assistance was modified following the policies implemented by the 47th President of the United States, Donald Trump. The President closed the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and terminated ongoing assistance programs, creating confusion and chaos within the international aid industry. Therefore, I believe that studying this issue is particularly relevant during this period of uncertainty, both to preserve valuable information and knowledge, and to better prepare for a new stage in U.S. international assistance.