Department of State

The sign used as the backdrop for press briefings at the U.S. Department of State is seen before a press conference (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)

The Department of State advises the President in the formulation and execution of foreign policy and promotes the long-range security and well-being of the United States. The Department determines and analyzes the facts relating to American overseas interests, makes recommendations on policy and future action, and takes the necessary steps to carry out established policy. In so doing, the Department engages in continuous consultations with the American public, the Congress, other U.S. departments and agencies, and foreign governments; negotiates treaties and agreements with foreign nations; speaks for the United States in the United Nations and other international organizations in which the United States participates; and represents the United States at international conferences. The Department also supports the foreign affairs activities of other U.S. Government entities including the Department of Commerce and the Agency for International Development.

The Secretary of State is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and supervision of U.S. foreign relations and for the interdepartmental activities of the U.S. Government abroad. The Secretary is the first-ranking member of the Cabinet, is a member of the National Security Council, and is in charge of the operations of the Department, including the Foreign Service.

All foreign affairs activities -- U.S. representation abroad, foreign assistance programs, countering international crime, foreign military training programs, the services the Department provides, and more -- are paid for by the foreign affairs budget, which represents little more than 1% of the total federal budget. As the lead foreign affairs agency, the Department of State has the primary role in:

• Leading interagency coordination in developing and implementing foreign policy; • Managing the foreign affairs budget and other foreign affairs resources; • Leading and coordinating U.S. representation abroad, conveying U.S. foreign policy to foreign governments and international organizations through U.S. embassies and consulates in foreign countries and diplomatic missions to international organizations; • Conducting negotiations and concluding agreements and treaties on issues ranging from trade to nuclear weapons; • Coordinating and supporting international activities of other U.S. agencies and officials.

The services the Department provides include:

• Protecting and assisting U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad; • Assisting U.S. businesses in the international marketplace; • Coordinating and providing support for international activities of other U.S. agencies (local, state, or federal government), official visits overseas and at home, and other diplomatic efforts. • Keeping the public informed about U.S. foreign policy and relations with other countries and providing feedback from the public to administration officials. The U.S. maintains diplomatic relations with about 180 countries and also maintains relations with many international organizations, adding up to a total of more than 250 posts around the world.

Mission Statement Create a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world for the benefit of the American people and the international community.

American diplomacy in the 21st century is based on fundamental beliefs: our freedom is best protected by ensuring that others are free; our prosperity depends on the prosperity of others; and our security relies on a global effort to secure the rights of all. The history of the American people is the chronicle of our efforts to live up to our ideals. In this moment in history, we recognize that the United States has an immense responsibility to use its power constructively to advance security, democracy, and prosperity around the globe. We will pursue these interests and remain faithful to our beliefs.

Globalization is compressing distances and creating new opportunities for economic growth. It is expanding the exchange of ideas, providing an impetus for political freedoms. Millions of the world’s poor, however, have not yet benefited from globalization, increasing their risk of alienation. Furthermore, transnational threats have emerged from globalization, enabling the creation of deadly global terror networks, spurring crime that reaches beyond borders, and spreading disease via the most mobile population in history. The spread of unconventional weapon technology risks giving tyrants and terrorists unprecedented power to harm the United States, our allies, and our friends. At the same time, famines and civil conflicts have erupted in countries steeped in poverty or constrained by autocratic rulers, creating waves of refugees and swelling the ranks of internally displaced populations. Traditional conflicts between and within states harm the innocent, with regional instabilities transmitting shock waves throughout our interconnected world.

In the coming years, the principal aims of the Department of State and USAID are clear. These aims are anchored in the President’s National Security Strategy and its three underlying and interdependent components - diplomacy, development, and defense.

First, we will strive to build and maintain strong bilateral and multilateral relationships in pursuit of our mission. There is the prospect for a durable peace among the great powers based on alignment against common threats. We will strive to strengthen traditional alliances and build new relationships to achieve a peace that brings security, but when necessary, we will act alone to face the challenges, provide assistance, and seize the opportunities of this era. U.S. leadership is essential for promoting this vision, but others must share the responsibility. The history of American foreign policy suggests that we will increase our chances of success abroad by exerting principled leadership while seeking to work with others to achieve our goals.

Second, we must protect our nation, our allies, and our friends against the transnational dangers and enduring threats arising from tyranny, poverty, and disease. Global terrorism, international crime, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction are new challenges born of traditional ambitions. Urban and rural poverty reflects the failure of statist policies, an absence of the rule of law, and poor governance. Radical ideologies are nurtured in societies deprived of the legitimate means of dissent, free markets, economic opportunity, and the free flow of ideas. A world in which half of humanity lives on less than $2 per day is neither just nor stable. HIV/AIDS is not simply a health issue. This pandemic is destroying precious lives, undermining economies, and threatening to destabilize entire regions. Environmental degradation and deforestation threaten human health and sustainable development. Confronting these threats effectively is beyond the means of any one country, and calls for principled American leadership aimed at achieving effective coalitions that magnify our efforts to respond to these critical challenges.

Third, in confronting the intersection of traditional and transnational challenges, we will combine our diplomatic skills and development assistance to act boldly to foster a more democratic and prosperous world integrated into the global economy. We will not waver in our belief that all human beings deserve lives of dignity and the opportunity to achieve their aspirations. We will promote freedom of speech, conscience, and religion, the rule of law, and economic freedom. In concert with civil society organizations, we will speak out against human rights abuses and the trafficking of human beings.

The Department and USAID will pursue these aims through coordinated approaches and complementary programs. In addition to bilateral and multilateral relationships, we will engage with citizens and civil society organizations at home and abroad. We will work with U.S. nongovernmental organizations, institutions of higher learning, and private sector partners who share our objectives and help leverage our resources. Providing vital links to the American people and to counterpart organizations and institutions overseas, our U.S. partners help represent the best in America’s technical, humanitarian, and management skills. We will support programs that encourage broad-based participation and civil society development as the foundation for democracy and good governance, economic growth and free enterprise, sound environmental stewardship, and quality education and healthcare.

In meeting our strategic objectives and goals, the Department and USAID are committed to protect U.S. national interests and advance peace, security, and sustainable development. While we will apply these principles globally, we will focus on the following key priorities during the timeframe of this Strategic Plan, many of which represent Presidential initiatives:

• Arab-Israeli Peace: The United States is committed to achieving the vision of two states, Israel and Palestine, living side-by-side in peace, security, and dignity. We seek to end terrorism and achieve a permanent reconciliation between the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. The United States, in consultation with the European Union, Russia, and the United Nations, and in partnership with the Israeli, Palestinian, and Arab governments, will work to promote a lasting peace.

• A Stable and Democratic Iraq: Now that coalition military forces have ousted Saddam Hussein’s regime, the United States will work side-by-side with the Iraqi people to build a free, democratic, and stable Iraq that does not threaten its people or its neighbors. Our goals are for Iraqis to take full control of their country as soon as possible and to maintain its territorial integrity. We will assist the Iraqi people in their efforts to adopt a new constitution, hold elections, and build a legitimate government based on the consent of the governed and respect for the human rights of all Iraqis. We will remain in Iraq as long as necessary, but not one day longer.

• Democracy and Economic Freedom in the Muslim World: As we focus on reaching peace in the Middle East, we also recognize the profound need for democracy and market economies to meet the aspirations of a new generation. The Department will take the lead in working with countries in the Muslim world to advance economic reform, increase educational opportunity, and boost political participation, especially for women. Public diplomacy will be central to communicating our objectives and changing negative views of the United States. Through the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) and programs in non-Arab parts of the Muslim world, the Department and USAID will establish a new model of assistance delivery to ensure our funds support the individual citizens that can drive change from within.

• A Stable and Democratic Afghanistan: Helping Afghanistan to achieve peace and stability will require a continued commitment by the Department, USAID, and international donors to four interlocking objectives: (1) Afghanistan must establish internal and external security to ensure economic reconstruction, political stability, and stem the rise in opium production; (2) we must work to establish a stable, effective, and broadly representative central government; (3) economic development must bolster this new government and reduce dependence on donors; and (4) we must help the people of Afghanistan meet their critical humanitarian needs while reconstruction proceeds.

• Reduction of the North Korean Threat to the Region and World: The Department will continue to work with friends and allies, particularly South Korea, Japan, and China, to meet North Korea’s challenge to peace and security. Our goal is the complete elimination, irreversibly and verifiably, of North Korea's nuclear weapons program. North Korea must know that this is the only route to end its self-isolation and deliver a better life for its people.

• Reduction of Tensions Between India and Pakistan: Both countries are key partners in the war on terrorism, and vital to our goal of preventing further proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and other dangerous technologies around the world. We will work to prevent the outbreak of war on the subcontinent. We seek broad-based bilateral partnerships with both India and Pakistan spanning a range of security, political, economic, social, and cultural issues. We will work with India to help complete promising economic reforms, reap the benefits of integration into the global economy, and generate opportunities for entrepreneurs and ordinary people in both our countries. We will work with Pakistan to stop terrorism, stabilize Afghanistan, reduce extremism, and strengthen education and institutions that promote the rule of law, constitutional democratic governance, and economic opportunity.

• Drug Eradication and Democracy in the Andean Region: The narcotics trade in the Andean Region, especially in Colombia, imposes a very high cost on its ordinary citizens in addition to being the major source of such drugs trafficked to the United States. The Andean Counterdrug Initiative through eradication, interdiction, and alternative development will support the fight against narcoterrorists and secure democracy, extend security, and restore economic prosperity in the region.

• Strengthened Alliances and Partnerships: Within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), we will integrate new members into the alliance and develop joint capabilities to fight terrorism and respond to 21st century dangers. We will work with the European Union (EU) on transnational threats and challenges to include: (1) fighting terrorism; (2) combating HIV/AIDS; (3) advancing global trade while resolving trade disputes on a mutually advantageous basis; and (4) cooperating on regional crises. Our new relationship with Russia is yielding positive results for both countries in strategic arms reduction, counterterrorism, common approaches to regional conflicts, and development of Russia’s energy resources. A key challenge is to find common ground with respect to transfer of dangerous technologies. In a changing and often dangerous environment, our network of robust bilateral alliances with Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand will remain the linchpin of Pacific regional security. We encourage the emergence of a peaceful and prosperous China, whose citizens enjoy the blessings of liberty, that contributes to the fight against terrorism and proliferation, and that works with the United States and others to reduce dangers existing on the Korean Peninsula, in South Asia, and beyond.

• A More Effective and Accountable United Nations (UN): The United States participates in multilateral organizations like the UN for specific purposes: (1) to foster international peace and security; (2) protect the innocent; (3) advance freedom, human rights, democratic institutions, and economic development; (4) address humanitarian needs; and (5) raise the quality of people’s lives through sustainable development focused on improving health, nutrition, and education around the world. We engage countries in the UN system to ensure that our priorities are taken seriously and our resources used wisely. The UN can only be truly effective if its member states willingly meet their responsibilities and adhere to the principles for which the organization was founded. It is vital that the United States exert robust leadership throughout the UN system in pursuit of its values and interests. We believe that the UN will be stronger and more effective if more Americans are given the opportunity to work in the UN and related institutions.

• HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment and Care: In his 2003 State of the Union Address, President Bush announced a $15-billion, 5-year Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief that will focus on prevention, treatment, and care in 14 severely affected countries in Africa and the Caribbean. The Department will work with USAID and other agencies to ensure these resources support our goals of saving lives, safeguarding people’s health, and advancing regional stability.

• Reduced Threat of Famine: The United States is committed to finding longer-term solutions to food insecurity and working in partnership with developing countries to address this global problem. In particular, the food crisis in the southern African countries and Ethiopia and the war in Sudan have affected millions of people. The United States continues to meet critical needs in these countries, as well as in Afghanistan and Iraq. We want to increase the contribution of all donors to tackle urgent food shortages and find longer-term solutions. Famine is a preventable tragedy with the right economic and governance policies and institutions to prevent the conditions that lead to famine. Viable early warning systems and assessments will help mitigate disasters and increase preparedness and response.

• Accountable Development Assistance: President Bush has charted a new direction for development assistance by proposing the creation of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). The goal is to increase U.S. development assistance by 50 percent over the next 3 years for countries that take responsibility for their own development by ruling justly, investing wisely in their people, and encouraging economic freedom. The Department and USAID will work with other agencies, the White House, Congress, and eventual recipient countries to make this initiative succeed in promoting good governance and prosperity.

• Aligning Diplomacy and Development Assistance: In pursuing our shared mission and goals in the international arena, U.S. development assistance [1] must be fully aligned with U.S. foreign policy. This means the Department and USAID must consistently and thoroughly review our policy and development programs as we strive to support those countries that are committed to democratic governance, open economies, and wise investment in their people’s education, health, and potential. We will seek opportunities to program our resources in complementary and targeted ways. With the full support of the Secretary, our organizations will carry forward an agenda to implement new innovative strategies and eliminate redundancies, while ensuring that our diplomacy and development assistance produce results. As discussed later in this Strategic Plan, two joint Department of State and USAID councils will be established to accomplish this priority.