Today's episode of The Aid Market podcast features Michael as the host, joined by Shannon Green, a senior advisor to the administrator for the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance, and Barbara Smith, who manages democracy, human rights, conflict resolution, and rule of law programs at the Carter Center.    In this episode, they delve into prominent issues and explore the actions taken in response. Additionally, they discuss the current administration's priorities, election integrity, AI’s role, and localization efforts and retrospectively examine our past and present progress.   IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Mike begins by sharing who is on today's podcast and an update from Dean Fritz Meyer of the Denver Democracy Summit [09:06] Shannon discusses what her role is at the USAID's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Governance and what is happening there [19:28] Barbara shares how this administration is currently prioritizing this work that Shannon shared and compares where we were to where we are [26:15] Discussion of USAID Forward and localization and the role AI plays [38:38] Discussion of the National Security Council [44:08] Question from a partner regarding Save the Children and the Global Fragility Act [46:47] Question from a listener on how the DRG is promoted versus what is done on counter-authoritarianism [50:41] Questions from two listeners regarding traditional humanitarian and USAID priorities [55:12] Barbara and Shannon leave the listeners with important thoughts    KEY TAKEAWAYS:  People from all over the world hunger for freedom. The USAID is harnessing its development assistance to promote accountable states, active citizens and rights-respecting societies. Brazen attempts at stealing elections are a problem in Africa.    RESOURCES:   Shannon Green - USAID website Barbara Smith - Carter Center Website Fritz Mayer LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/frederick-mayer-11862b3b   ABOUT THE GUESTS:   Shannon N. Green :Assistant to the Administrator Shannon N. Green serves as the Assistant to the Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance (DRG). In this role, she leads USAID’s efforts to invigorate democracy, enhance human rights and justice, and bolster governance that advances the public interest and delivers inclusive development. Previously, Ms. Green was the Senior Advisor to the Administrator and Executive Director of the Anti-Corruption Task Force where she led USAID’s historic elevation of anti-corruption and aligned the Agency’s policies, programming, and resources to counter corruption at a global scale. Before returning to public service in 2021, Ms. Green was the Senior Director of Programs at the Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) and Director and Senior Fellow of the Human Rights Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), where her research focused on addressing threats to democratic institutions and norms, enhancing justice and accountability, and improving security forces’ respect for human rights. From 2004 - 2015, Ms. Green held a number of positions in the U.S. Government, including as the Senior Director for Global Engagement on the National Security Council. In that role, she spearheaded efforts to deepen and broaden U.S. engagement with critical populations overseas, including the President’s Stand with Civil Society Agenda and young leader initiatives around the world. Prior to that, Ms. Green served in the DRG Center, where she developed policies, strategies, and programs to advance political reform and human rights in the Middle East and North Africa. Ms. Green received her B.A. in Political Science and History from the University of Georgia and her M.A. in International Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, and has served as an adjunct professor for Syracuse University Maxwell School.   Fritz Mayer Dean of Josef Korbel School of Internationa