U.S. Bilateral Assistance to Russia: 1992-2002 (CRS Report for Congress)
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| Release Date |
Jan. 16, 2003 |
| Report Number |
RL31699 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Curt Tarnoff, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
Summary:
For more than ten years, the U.S. program of foreign assistance to Russia has supported three
aims
-- security , by promoting nuclear and chemical weapons nonproliferation activities;
stability , by
supporting a range of programs to create a democratic and economically prosperous Russia that
would be a cooperative member of the international community; and humanitarian
relief , reflecting
traditional American values.
Since it was launched, the Russia foreign aid program has been subject to considerable
criticism. Some argued the amount of funding was too little, too late; others that too much money
was put into projects before the country was ready for reform. Critics protested that the money
mostly went to American advisers, while others said it went to support a non-reformist government
and the oligarches.
Although the program has had its problems, aid to Russia has resulted in a number of
significant achievements. Hundreds of nuclear weapons delivery systems have been eliminated and
thousands of scientists employed in peaceful work. Food aid has been provided to the needy.
Russians have been exposed to new ideas concerning the workings of democracy and the free
market, indigenous think tanks and civic organizations have been supported, and thousands of
private business and grassroots activities have been funded.
The assistance program has changed over the decade in response to criticisms, new funding
priorities, and changing circumstances within Russia. Security programs now account for two thirds
of U.S. aid. Democratic reform efforts and exchanges are better funded than economic reform
projects.
Re-assessments of aspects of the aid program in 2001 have led to further changes. Projects to
support stability aims are expected to emphasize entrepreneurs, civil society, and health.
Nonproliferation efforts will expand material control and accountability programs and scientist
demilitarization efforts. The Administration is reportedly planning to propose a large cut in the
FY2004 budget for Russia stability aid.
For more detailed discussion of the aid program, see CRS Report 96-261(pdf) , Russia and U.S.
Foreign Assistance: Current Issues (March 1996), CRS Report RL30112(pdf) , Russia's
Economic and
Political Transition: U.S. Assistance and Issues for Congress (May 1999), and U.S.
Assistance to
the Former Soviet Union 1991-2001: A History of Administration and Congressional Action
(revised
January 2002). This report will not be updated.
