James A. Harmon

The inside story of one of the most successful US foreign aid programs in the Middle East in recent decades What happens when the United States launches an unconventional foreign aid program in the aftermath of a national uprising? In this behind-the-scenes account of the Egyptian-American Enterprise Fund—a private investment fund created by the U. S. Congress to jumpstart Egypt’s private sector after the 2011 Egyptian revolution—A Daring Enterprise tells the story of one of the most effective, yet little known, U. S. foreign policy programs today in the Middle East. Through the firsthand account of the Fund’s chairman James Harmon, a veteran investment banker and former Clinton administration official, the authors reveal how a small, U. S.-backed investment fund partnered with Egyptians to spark investment, create jobs, and expand opportunities for women in the Arab world’s largest country—all against a backdrop of political instability, anti-Americanism, and Washington dysfunction. At a time when America’s budget deficit is rising and foreign aid is being scaled back, A Daring Enterprise Fund reveals how a new model of foreign assistance can tackle urgent development challenges while delivering real returns for U. S. taxpayers. Most importantly, it is a powerful reminder of the value of foreign aid and why smart foreign investment is key to America’s future prosperity.

An optimistic survey of the newest developments in the fight against climate change, from the experts leading the charge. The leaders of World Resources Institute present their evidence on how the world is on the brink of a sustainability revolution, thanks to a convergence of progress in seven key areas. World Resources Institute has been on the cutting edge of global sustainability for four decades, supplying think tanks, policymakers, and countries with the best environmental data and solutions-oriented practices. Drawing from that wealth of experience, they show why it is time to be truly optimistic about attaining a low-carbon, sustainable future. With WRI leaders Ani Dasgupta and James Harmon as guides, readers will discover how seven critical developments have converged to support an unprecedented shift toward hope in the battle against climate change and environmental injustice. And while this book advocates for optimism, it also demands a commitment to relentless progress across all seven points through a global collaboration between governments, businesses, and citizens. The New Global Possible puts forth a map to a better future, one where we can achieve low-carbon emissions and safeguard our resources while cultivating economically vibrant businesses, cities, and countries.