Episode #329: “How could this happen now?! I mean, are we part of the problem allowing Burma to slip to that ‘ninth layer of hell?’”

These anguished words from longtime USAID official Chris Milligan reflect his heartbreak over the U.S. failure to adequately respond to Myanmar’s devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake. Milligan, who helped reopen USAID’s Myanmar mission in 2012, recalls building it from scratch as part of a broader U.S. strategy to support democratic and economic reforms without legitimizing the military regime.

Regarding the landscape of development aid for Burma, he explains it is “a land of good intentions with unintended consequences," where uninformed international aid could easily do more harm than good. Still, his years there were deeply fulfilling. He saw rapid progress and strong partnerships, though he regrets being unable to help resolve the humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State.

Milligan underscores USAID’s value—not just abroad, but at home—calling it essential for American interests, stability, trade, and global influence. He contrasts the U.S. model of development with China’s state-centric approach, warning that American withdrawal leaves a dangerous vacuum. So he bemoans the Trump administration ‘s dismantling the core of the agency. USAID once led major disaster responses, but due to those massive program cuts, its Myanmar earthquake response resulted in snding just three people and $2 million. He fears that unless the U.S. re-engages, the long-term consequences will be dire.

Milligan looks back very fondly on his time in the country, especially the warmth and generosity of its people. “That’s why it was also inspiring,” he says. “It made you want to work harder to support them… because they saw a brighter future for themselves, and you wanted to help them get there.”

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