This is a guest opinion column

In today’s fast-paced global economy, Alabama’s future depends on more than just the strength of our local industries and the hard work of our people. It also depends on how effectively we engage with the world beyond our borders.

Throughout my career, I have championed the values that make our state great: hard work, independence, and a commitment to improving the lives of our people. It is crucial for Alabamians to understand the importance of smart, strategic international assistance.

President Trump is taking bold steps to establish a new network of foreign assistance programs designed to benefit the American people and strengthen our economy without the waste, fraud, or abuse that often affects traditional programs. This initiative will have a direct, positive impact on Alabama.

When implemented effectively, international assistance is more than charity, it is a strategic investment. It creates opportunities for Alabama’s businesses, supports job creation, and protects our economic interests in a world where China and other adversaries are aggressively expanding their influence.

Whether by facilitating trade deals, fostering diplomatic relationships, or promoting American values abroad, international engagement is essential for keeping our state’s industries competitive on the global stage.

Investing in international assistance is investing in Alabama’s future. By supporting global markets, we create a new demand for Alabama-made products and services, which fuels growth, opportunity, and prosperity in our state.

For instance, Alabama’s aerospace and aviation industry has greatly benefited from foreign partnerships, with exports reaching a total of $6.4 billion between 2020 and 2023. Our state is home to leading aerospace facilities in Huntsville and Mobile, where major companies such as Boeing and Airbus operate. These partnerships provide not only trade but also high-quality jobs for Alabama residents.

Alabama’s manufacturing and automotive industries also stand to benefit from increased international engagement. Companies such as Mercedes-Benz, Honda, and Hyundai rely on Alabama’s skilled workforce for large-scale assembly, which has created more than 50,000 jobs and generated billions in economic output.

Similar to our aerospace industry, these companies depend on international markets to remain competitive. International assistance helps to secure trade deals, negotiate tariffs,

and establish favorable conditions for Alabama products to thrive abroad. By expanding our international reach, we can further develop these industries and ensure that Alabama remains a hub for innovation and excellence in automotive and aviation technology.

Additionally, Alabama’s agricultural exports, including poultry and cotton, are vital to our economy. International assistance helps to open new markets for our farmers, providing them with a competitive edge in global trade. In 2024 alone, Alabama’s exports totaled $26.8 billion, benefiting over 200 countries. Our partnerships with countries in Latin America, Asia, and Europe not only expand opportunities for our farmers and businesses but also strengthen our reputation as a leader in global trade.

However, without proactive foreign aid, Alabama risks losing its competitive edge to countries that do not share our values and priorities, which could jeopardize our economy.

The world is changing rapidly, and nations like China are not standing still. In fact, China has strategically increased its global influence by investing in infrastructure projects in Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe through its Belt and Road Initiative.

China’s growing presence in the global market is not just a challenge — it is a threat to American leadership.

The bottom line is that we need precision-driven foreign aid programs that put America first. This is not about unchecked spending or wasteful handouts, it is about making smart, targeted investments in our future.

International assistance is a crucial tool for fostering the kind of global leadership that ensures Alabama remains competitive in a rapidly changing world. If we step back from the world stage, others, particularly China, will fill the void, leaving Alabama businesses and workers behind.

John Merrill served as Alabama’s 53rd Secretary of State from 2015 to 2023. He is also a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives. A Cleburne County native, Merrill was raised in Heflin and worked in economic development and banking prior to his public office roles.