Category U.S. Government

Department of Defense, Food Delivery Services, Geopolitics, Intelligence Indicators, Open Source Intelligence (OSINT), Pizza Intelligence (PizzaINT), United States of America

The Pentagon Pizza Index: Behavioral OSINT, National Security, and the Geopolitics of Takeout

The Pentagon Pizza Index: Behavioral OSINT, National Security, and the Geopolitics of Takeout Introduction When Washington’s most powerful pull an all-nighter, the food delivery scene in D.C. starts buzzing. Observant sleuths have noticed an uncanny pattern: late-night pizza orders spiking…

Kevin J.S. Duska Jr.
June 12, 2025

American Judiciary, Donald J. Trump, Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, Op/Ed, The Trump Doctrine, Trumponomics, USAID

USAID Injunction Won’t Save It: Why the Agency is Dead for Good

USAID Injunction Won’t Save It: Why the Agency is Dead for Good I. Introduction: USAID is Dead. This Court Ruling Won’t Change That. Let’s be clear from the jump: USAID is not coming back. No amount of judicial activism, contractor…

Kevin J.S. Duska Jr.
March 18, 2025

Department of Defense, Donald J. Trump, Geopolitics, Grand Strategy, The Trump Doctrine, Trumponomics, United States of America

Killing the Watchman: Why Gutting the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment is a Catastrophic Mistake

Killing the Watchman: Why Gutting the Pentagon’s Office of Net Assessment is a Catastrophic Mistake I. Introduction – The Death of the Pentagon’s Future The Pentagon just shot itself in the foot. Again. This time, it wasn’t an overpriced weapons…

Kevin J.S. Duska Jr.
March 14, 2025

Belt and Road Initiative, Colonialism, Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, Neo-Colonialism, People's Republic of China (PRC), USAID

The Velvet Glove of Colonialism: USAID’s Road from Altruism to Absolution and the USAID Collapse

A stylized depiction of The Velvet Glove of Colonialism: USAID’s Road from Altruism to Absolution

The Velvet Glove of Colonialism: USAID’s Road from Altruism to Absolution The Velvet Glove of Colonialism: USAID’s Road from Altruism to Absolution Report by Kevin J.S. Duska Jr., Margot Lanihin and Lucas Nyemcsik Aesthetic Over Aid: The Performative Theatre of…

Kevin J.S. Duska Jr.
February 27, 2025

Belt and Road Initiative, Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, Geopolitics, International Development, People's Republic of China (PRC), USAID

USAID vs. China: Why American Aid Keeps Losing to Beijing’s Strategy

USAID vs. China: Why American Aid Keeps Losing to Beijing’s Strategy The Mission vs. The Reality – USAID’s Strategic Failure The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) presents itself as the world’s leading development institution, a force for democracy, stability,…

Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, Geopolitics, International Development, Serbia, Top 10 List, Top 10 USAID Failures, USAID

USAID’s Top 10 Failures, No. 6: $200 Million Disaster: How the CRDA Program in Serbia Wasted Taxpayer Money

A photo of a Serbian sausage maker illustrating USAID's Top 10 Failures, No. 6: $200 Million Disaster: How the CRDA Program in Serbia Wasted Taxpayer Money

USAID’s Top 10 Failures, No. 6: $200 Million Disaster: How the CRDA Program in Serbia Wasted Taxpayer Money Introduction – USAID’s $200 Million Masterclass in Failure There’s an old saying: If you want to make money fast, start a war.…

Kevin J.S. Duska Jr.
February 24, 2025

Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, USAID

Humanitarian Aid vs Geopolitics Why USAID is a Political Tool

Introduction USAID was established in 1961 with the aim of promoting sustainable development and improving the lives of people around the world. However, beyond its humanitarian mission, USAID also plays a significant role in advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. This…

Staff
February 24, 2025
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Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, USAID

The Role of Contractors in USAID Waste and Corruption

The Role of Contractors in USAID Waste and Corruption Introduction USAID operates by distributing funds through a complex network of private contractors and subcontractors. These entities are pivotal in executing USAID’s developmental projects across the globe. Contractors are responsible for…

Staff
February 24, 2025

Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, USAID

The Human Cost of USAID Foreign Aid Cuts When Bureaucracy Kills

A photo of a decrepit USAID convoy illustrating The Human Cost of Foreign Aid Cuts When Bureaucracy Kills

The Human Cost of USAID Foreign Aid Cuts When Bureaucracy Kills Introduction Foreign aid is a lifeline for many. It’s a critical component of international relations and humanitarian efforts. Yet, it’s often misunderstood. The United States, through USAID, is a…

Staff
February 24, 2025

Fraud, Abuse, and Waste, International Development, USAID

USAID’s Track Record: A History of Humanitarian Failures

USAID’s Track Record: A History of Humanitarian Failures Introduction The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has a long history. It’s a history marked by both triumphs and failures. One of the worst failures of USAID is the role…

Staff
February 24, 2025