Because I was out of the country for the past four months, I missed the Obama Administration’s fiscal year (FY) 2010 budget request for democracy and governance programming.  The US Government calls these programs Governing Justly and Democratically (GJ&D).  Overall, the budget is a nice surprise as the administration is requesting a 9% increase, from about $2.5 billion in FY 2009 to $2.8 billion in FY 2010 (the fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30.)  Thus, while some have criticized the administration for not talking enough about democracy, it seems to be committed where it counts, the amount of money it is willing to spend.

The figure that most immediately stands out is that Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan account for close to half the GJ&D budget.  Combined, the administration is asking for $1.3 billion for GJ&D programs for these three countries, with the vast majority going to Afghanistan. That country alone accounts for almost 30% of global GJ&D programs.  Perhaps surprisingly, by far the biggest cut for all countries is an $82 million decrease for Afghanistan, from $882 million to $800 million.  While this may appear dramatic on the surface, the decrease is mainly the result of election-related expenses.  The FY 2010 budget is actually close to 50% larger than the FY 2008 budget, the year prior to the election.  By far the largest increase for all countries is an additional $107 million for Pakistan, a 130% rise over FY 2009, primarily for programs in civil society, human rights, and rule of law.  The administration is asking for an 11% increase for Iraq, or about $20 million.

The budget also requests substantial increases for the Democratic Republic of Congo, Indonesia, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Nigeria, Serbia, Sudan, and Ukraine.  Alternatively, the administration is requesting a cut for West Bank and Gaza of $18 million, or 30%.  This cut is less dramatic than it seems as it comes from expenditures following the war in Gaza in December 2008/January 2009.  There are three genuinely disappointing country cuts, however, Georgia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Another interesting area to examine is expenditures across agencies.  The budget requests significant increases for USAID’s Bureau for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Affairs and Office of Transition Initiatives and about a 10% cut for the State Department’s Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.  The other unfortunate cut is a $15 million for the National Endowment for Democracy, from $115 million to $100 million.

Overall, I think the budget demonstrates a serious commitment to support for democracy abroad by the administration.  I am very pleased with it.  Freedom House and the Project on Middle East Democracy have more detailed analyses.