OTI was created in 1994 to provide fast, flexible, short-term assistance during windows of opportunity to build democracy and peace. OTI often enters countries on the cusp of change and sets the stage for traditional development programs to take root. OTI programs supply positive momentum to both help a country’s transition, and avert potential crises that threaten internal, regional, or international peace and stability.
Over its 25-year history, OTI has played a key role in places important to U.S. foreign policy and continues to make a significant impact by implementing catalytic programs to strengthen the resilience of our partners and beneficiaries, keeping transitional countries on a positive trajectory.