Brett Daniel Shehadey
Special Contributor for In Homeland Security
In the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, over 7 million Filipinos were effected and 3.9 million are estimated to have been displaced. Home damage is estimated to have affected over 500,000 homes with half being destroyed. About 4,460 people have been reported killed so far with 12,544 injuries and over 1,100 missing. Over 230 tons of emergency supplies have been delivered.
The generous actions states takes in regards to natural catastrophes around the world demonstrate their legitimacy and benevolence. States with the most are expected to give more. In this era, the more a state gives the better a state appears and th more it reflects the good nature of a state. When country can give more than it does and more is required to save lives, that country is called into question.
Philippines President Benigno Aquino expressed gratitude for but also dissatisfaction with the [slow] start of aid distribution.
After a tragic weak signature in the global press for a substantial lead role in humanitarian assistance to the Philippines, the USA is now part of the tip of the spear in a growing relief effort. It was reported that the US initially started out with only $100,000 and 90 Marines in the press.
Now it is clear through the global the media that the US is allocating $20 million emergency funds behind the UK and Australia. This does not include the military funding required to deploy a US aircraft carrier group or the 7,000 plus military personnel involved in theater for humanitarian assistance. It does not include private funding.
The American private sector has already donated over $10 million according to the US Chamber of Commerce and much more will come out of the USA. The only thing the US lacks is the ability to powerfully promote its efforts with any informational advantage.
The UK pledged $80 million dollars and over $50 million in private donations. This was of course “all the rage” in the BBC, Telegraph, The Guardian, Reuters and others. Not only has the UK won the war of public line-item emergency charity, but they have won the grand stage that tremendously boosts their soft power.
Australia pledged $28 million.
Japan initially showed superiority in solidarity with European nations led by the UK. They offered $10 million immediately and now they are sending ships as well.
South Korea donated $5 million.
Indonesia gave $2 million.
China only gave $100,000, but that is more than there first offer of $10,000. CBS reported that even IKEA offered $2.7 million.
The Vatican offered $3 million.
The International Red Cross tallied $178 million!
As a whole, the international community is reported to have pledged or given around $248 million to the Philippines for humanitarian aid.
This is a great noble effort among states and a healthy competition of positive diplomacy and image.
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