Simone Lawson
The diplomatic agenda of the United States is carried out by the Department of State, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and the US Agency for International Development. The Department of State has four main foreign policy goals: supporting diplomats, government officials, and other personnel; protecting the American people; promoting learning agendas; and institutionalizing a gender-sensitive approach to diplomacy. The Department of State works to fight terrorism, protect US interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives while building a more free, prosperous, and secure world. The Secretary of State serves as the President's top foreign policy adviser and is the federal government's chief diplomat and representative abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of diplomatic posts worldwide | 270-273 |
| Number of employees | 13,000 Foreign Service members, 11,000 Civil Service employees, 45,000 locally employed staff |
| Role | Fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, implement foreign policy initiatives, build a more free, prosperous, and secure world |
| Foreign policy goals | Support diplomats, government officials, and other personnel; protect America through diplomacy; maintain peace and security across the Asia-Pacific; strengthen women's rights, leadership, and participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding |
| Services | Visa operations, information and travel warnings for U.S. citizens, passport and visa issuance, commercial ties abroad, training U.S. officials and military personnel, immigration services |
| Other | Works in coordination with other federal agencies, including the Department of Defense and other national security agencies |
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What You'll Learn
The role of the Secretary of State
The Secretary of State is the President's chief foreign affairs adviser and the principal deputy, adviser, and alter ego to the Secretary of State. The Secretary carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and the US Agency for International Development. The State Department has four main foreign policy goals: supporting US diplomats, government officials, and personnel; protecting American diplomacy; promoting learning agendas; and strengthening partnerships with the private sector and outside experts.
The Secretary of State's role in Washington's government has a rich history dating back to 1789. The first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, set the precedent for future officeholders with a focus on diplomacy and foreign policy. Initially conceived to advise the President, the position quickly evolved into a key player in managing international relations and crafting policy. The Secretary of State serves as the President's principal adviser on US affairs and is tasked with executing the President's foreign policies through the State Department. This role entails diplomatic relations, negotiations with foreign entities, and the management of international treaties.
The Secretary of State holds a vital position in the US government, acting as the face of the United States in global affairs. They engage with leaders worldwide to advance national interests and bolster diplomatic ties, and oversee the protection of the US. The Secretary also serves as the channel of communication between the Federal Government and the States on the extradition of fugitives to or from foreign countries.
In addition to their foreign affairs duties, the Secretary of State also retains domestic responsibilities that Congress entrusted to the State Department in 1789. These include the custody of the Great Seal of the United States, the preparation of certain presidential proclamations, and the publication of treaties and international acts.
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The Department of State's foreign policy goals
The Department of State, also known as the State Department, is responsible for carrying out the diplomatic agenda of the United States. It represents American foreign policy abroad and advances the interests and security of the American people. The State Department achieves its goals through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance, with a focus on protecting and promoting the American way of life.
The State Department has four main foreign policy goals:
- Protecting America: Diplomacy is a key tool for protecting the United States and its citizens. The State Department engages in diplomacy with other nations to address challenges that cross national boundaries, such as environmental degradation, and threats to physical and economic well-being.
- Supporting Diplomats and Personnel: The State Department provides support to U.S. diplomats, government officials, and all other personnel serving at home and abroad. This includes issuing passports, providing travel warnings and alerts, and assisting U.S. citizens living, working, or travelling in other countries.
- Fighting International Terrorism: The State Department works to combat international terrorism through sound policies, interagency collaboration, and international cooperation. This includes efforts to achieve verifiable denuclearization, halt proliferation activities, and maintain freedom of navigation.
- Promoting a Free, Prosperous, and Secure World: The State Department seeks to build a better world by fostering economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions, and supporting civil society. This includes encouraging gender and minority integration, promoting learning agendas, and sharing best practices with partner governments and international organizations.
The State Department's goals may differ from nation to nation and change over time, but they always prioritize the safety and security of the United States and its citizens.
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The Department of State's work with other agencies
The US Department of State works with other agencies to achieve its foreign policy goals and protect US interests. The Department of State has four main foreign policy goals: supporting US diplomats, government officials, and other personnel; protecting America through diplomacy; promoting prosperity, democracy, and strong institutions; and providing effective foreign assistance.
To achieve these goals, the Department of State works in close coordination with other federal agencies, including the departments of Defense, Treasury, and Commerce. The Department of State also consults with Congress about foreign policy initiatives and policies. For example, the Department of State works with the Department of Defense and other national security agencies to maintain peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region, including efforts to achieve verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and halt North Korea's proliferation activities.
The Department of State also plays a critical role in facilitating private sector engagement and public-private partnerships worldwide. They encourage governments to work with civil society organizations, including labor organizations and business chambers, to foster investment, growth, and job creation. The Department of State also engages with the private sector and experts outside of government to strengthen partnerships and promote learning agendas.
In addition, the Department of State works with other government entities, including the White House, Congress, and various executive branch agencies. The Franklin Fellows Program, established by the Department of State in 2006, brings in mid-level executives from the private sector and non-profit organizations to advise the department and work on projects. These fellows may also work with other government entities, including the Department of Defense, Department of Commerce, and Department of Homeland Security.
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The Department of State's work with the private sector
The US Department of State works with the private sector in a variety of ways. Firstly, it engages in public-private partnerships, which are collaborations between government-run agencies and private-sector businesses. These partnerships aim to optimize the Open Government Partnership (OGP) and support civic participation, making the government more responsive, effective, and accountable. The Department of State also facilitates private sector engagement worldwide, encouraging investment, growth, profits, and job creation. This includes supporting gender and minority integration and promoting inclusive growth.
Additionally, the Department of State has a Private Sector Office (PSO) that engages with businesses, trade associations, and other non-governmental organizations. The PSO focuses on counterterrorism, trade, travel, and immigration matters. It also identifies private sector resources that can supplement government efforts, such as through the Loaned Executive Program, where executive-level private sector experts can share their expertise with the Department of Homeland Security.
The Department of State also works to enhance its people-to-people exchange programs, which include direct engagement, exchange programs, virtual classrooms, and social media. These programs help build ties with young professionals and emerging leaders globally. Furthermore, the Department conducts visa operations and leads diplomatic efforts to gain international cooperation on issues such as travel, communications, and critical infrastructure protection.
The Department of State's role has evolved over time, adapting to changing global circumstances. While it once had domestic duties, it now focuses on fighting terrorism, protecting US interests abroad, and implementing foreign policy initiatives to build a more secure and prosperous world.
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The Department of State's work with civil society organisations
The US Department of State works with civil society organisations to further its diplomatic agenda. The Department of State has four main foreign policy goals: supporting diplomats, government officials, and other personnel; protecting America through diplomacy; providing information to help Americans abroad; and conducting visa operations.
The Department of State works with civil society organisations to prevent conflict and promote stability. For example, the Department of State works with local human rights advocates, women's groups, and grassroots organisations to aid survivors of sexual and gender-based violence and expand networks for women's economic security in agriculture. The Department of State also encourages governments to work with civil society organisations, including labour organisations and business chambers, recognising their role in influencing decisions regarding resource allocation and development agendas.
The Department of State also works with civil society organisations to strengthen women's rights, leadership, and participation in peace processes, conflict prevention, and decision-making institutions. This includes sharing lessons learned and best practices, as well as institutionalising a gender-sensitive approach to diplomacy through interagency collaboration and policy development.
In addition, the Department of State works with civil society organisations to address transnational threats such as terrorism, violent extremism, and cybercrime. The Department of State supports Asia-Pacific partners in adopting legal and policy frameworks to deter and mitigate these threats, and collaborates with national security agencies to maintain peace and security in the region.
The Department of State also engages in people-to-people exchange programs and elevates youth issues as a policy priority. Through diplomatic posts, exchange programs, virtual classrooms, and social media, the Department of State builds ties with young professionals and emerging leaders globally.
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Frequently asked questions
The Department of State is responsible for carrying out the President's foreign policies. It manages America's relationships with foreign governments, international organisations, and the people of other countries.
The Department of State maintains 270-273 diplomatic posts worldwide.
The Department of State's core activities include protecting and assisting US citizens living or travelling abroad, assisting American businesses in the international marketplace, and coordinating and providing support for international activities of other US agencies.
Civil Service employees provide expertise, support, and continuity in accomplishing the mission of the Department. They issue passports, compile and analyse overseas reports, provide logistical support, consult with Congress about foreign policy, and formulate and manage the budget.
Foreign Service employees can be sent to any embassy, consulate, or diplomatic mission worldwide to serve the diplomatic needs of the United States. They represent the United States, analyse and report on political, economic, and social trends, adjudicate visas, and respond to the needs of US citizens abroad.
