THE RISE—AND FALL—OF NGOS.

The article focuses on the significant decline of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and their influence in global development, particularly following cuts to foreign aid by the U.S. and other Western nations. The Trump administration's dismantling of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and slashing of the foreign aid budget have exacerbated existing trends of reduced support from countries like the U.K., Sweden, and France, leading to program closures and staff layoffs in various regions, especially in the global south. Concurrently, a global crackdown on NGOs has emerged, with over 130 countries implementing restrictive laws that hinder their operations, further complicating the landscape for development efforts. The article raises concerns about the future of NGOs and their ability to fill the gaps left by diminishing state support, particularly for vulnerable communities reliant on their services. [Extracted from the article]