Malcolm Rivera
Diplomacy is a powerful tool for protecting a country and its citizens, and is often carried out by a country's foreign affairs agency. In the United States, this is the Department of State, which is responsible for foreign policy initiatives and protecting U.S. interests abroad. The Department of State works with other agencies and countries to address global challenges, such as climate change, resource scarcity, terrorism, and the spread of disease. The Secretary of State, appointed by the President, is the principal foreign policy advisor and is responsible for implementing the President's foreign policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Role | To fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives while building a more free, prosperous, and secure world |
| Mission | To shape and sustain a peaceful, prosperous, just, and democratic world, and foster conditions for stability and progress for the benefit of the American people and people everywhere |
| Long-term strategic goals | To advance its mission and address relevant national problems, needs, challenges, and opportunities |
| Headquarters | Washington, DC |
| Head | Secretary of State |
| Parent agency | Executive Branch |
| Budget | $51.7 billion (combined with "Other International Programs" such as USAID) |
| Record-keeping system | Central Foreign Policy File |
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What You'll Learn
- The US Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency
- The Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor
- The State Department works with other agencies to respond to world health problems
- The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is responsible for protecting American embassies and personnel
- The State Department uses diplomacy to fight international terrorism
The US Department of State is the lead foreign affairs agency
The Department of State has a long history, dating back to 1781 when it was established as the Department of Foreign Affairs. It has since undergone several name changes and expansions, reflecting the changing global circumstances and the growing importance of diplomacy in protecting US interests.
The Department of State works closely with other agencies within the US government, as well as international partners, to address global challenges. This includes fighting international terrorism, protecting US interests abroad, and promoting mutual understanding between Americans and people in other countries. They also work to advance environmental stewardship, encourage economic growth, and promote social development to foster a safer and more secure world.
The Department of State and USAID have developed a strategic approach to accomplish their shared mission, focusing on robust diplomacy and development as key pillars of national security. They cooperate with other federal agencies, international coalitions, foreign governments, and civil society to address global issues and promote positive change.
The Department of State also administers the Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), the oldest US civilian intelligence agency, and maintains a law enforcement arm, the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS). This enables the Department to respond to global crises and protect American citizens and interests worldwide.
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The Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor
Diplomacy is one of the best ways to protect the United States and its citizens. The US Department of State uses diplomacy to protect America by fighting terrorism, protecting US interests abroad, and implementing foreign policy initiatives. The Department of State also works with other agencies within the US Government and other countries to prepare for and respond to global health problems and monitor the spread of potentially dangerous diseases.
The US Department of State is led by the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor and the second-highest-ranking member of the President's cabinet. They are fourth in the presidential line of succession and are considered analogous to a secretary or minister of foreign affairs in other countries.
The Secretary of State carries out the President's foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service, and US Agency for International Development. The Secretary of State advises the President on the appointment, recall, and dismissal of diplomats, ambassadors, ministers, consuls, and other diplomatic representatives. They also advise the President on the acceptance of foreign government representatives and participate in international conferences, organizations, and agencies as a representative of the United States.
In addition to their foreign affairs duties, the Secretary of State also has some domestic responsibilities, including the custody of the Great Seal of the United States, the preparation of certain presidential proclamations, and the publication of treaties and international acts. The Secretary of State also serves as the channel of communication between the Federal Government and the States on the extradition of fugitives to or from foreign countries.
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The State Department works with other agencies to respond to world health problems
The national agency responsible for diplomacy in the United States is the Department of State, also known as the State Department. The Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency within the Executive Branch and the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy.
The Department of State and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) have developed a strategic approach to accomplish their shared mission, focusing on robust diplomacy and development as central to solving global problems. They cooperate with other federal agencies and international coalitions, foreign governments and their security and justice services, and multilateral organizations. The Department of State and USAID will also work with state and local partners and civil society to support governments and bring about change.
The Department of State's Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) leads and coordinates the Department's work on strengthening global health security to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS. The Bureau leads U.S. diplomatic engagement, helps coordinate U.S. foreign assistance, and promotes international cooperation at the national, regional, and multilateral levels to better protect the United States and the world from health threats. The Bureau's work on global health security and diplomacy is a core component of U.S. national security and foreign policy.
The U.S. government's involvement in global health security (GHS) work has expanded over time, with attention to these efforts growing significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of State plays a key role in the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA), an international partnership involving more than 70 countries and international organizations. Through the GHSA, the Department of State works with host governments and partners to help countries improve their capabilities to detect and respond to emerging disease events and achieve global health security targets.
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The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is responsible for protecting American embassies and personnel
The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the federal law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. It is tasked with securing American diplomacy and protecting the integrity of U.S. travel documents. With offices in 33 U.S. cities and a presence in over 270 locations worldwide, DSS has the largest global reach of any U.S. federal law enforcement agency.
The DSS has a workforce of over 40,000 employees, including more than 2,500 Foreign Service specialists such as special agents, security engineering officers, security technical specialists, and diplomatic couriers. These agents are often deployed on temporary duty assignments at American embassies overseas, where they provide essential security and protection.
One of the critical roles of the DSS is to investigate threats and incidents involving U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. DSS special agents are the first responders to any threat or attack on American diplomatic facilities, working collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.
Additionally, the DSS conducts personnel security background investigations for the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies. These investigations help determine an individual's suitability for employment and access to sensitive information or resources. The DSS also has a counterintelligence division that works to counter the efforts of foreign intelligence services targeting Department of State personnel, facilities, and diplomatic missions.
The DSS plays a crucial role in protecting American diplomatic interests, ensuring the safety of personnel, and safeguarding sensitive information through its global presence and diverse range of investigative and protective capabilities.
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The State Department uses diplomacy to fight international terrorism
In the United States, the national agency responsible for diplomacy is the Department of State. The Department of State is the lead US foreign affairs agency within the Executive Branch and the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy. The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President's principal foreign policy advisor. The Secretary of State implements the President's foreign policies worldwide through the State Department and its employees.
The State Department also works to promote stability and economic prosperity by joining with other countries in international organizations. They work to support democratization, the rule of law, and economic development in various regions, including the Middle East and Africa. In the Middle East, the State Department promotes and supports the development of democracy in Iraq and works with Israel, Egypt, other Middle Eastern countries, and the Palestinians to find a peaceful solution to their conflicts. In Africa, the State Department supports efforts to reduce poverty, fight disease, and encourage regional leadership for conflict resolution.
Additionally, the State Department works to protect Americans and advance their interests at home and abroad. This includes addressing global health problems, monitoring the spread of potentially dangerous diseases, and promoting environmental stewardship and climate change initiatives. The State Department also fosters mutual understanding between Americans and people in other countries, engaging international audiences on issues of foreign policy, society, and values to create an environment receptive to US national interests.
Through these diplomatic efforts, the State Department plays a crucial role in fighting international terrorism and protecting US interests worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
The Department of State is the lead U.S. foreign affairs agency within the Executive Branch and the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy.
The Secretary of State is the President's principal foreign policy advisor and chief foreign affairs adviser. They are appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of State implements the President's foreign policies worldwide through the State Department and its employees.
The Department of State works to fight terrorism, protect U.S. interests abroad, and implement foreign policy initiatives while building a more free, prosperous, and secure world. They also work to promote peace and stability in regions of vital interest, and bring nations and people together to address global challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, terrorism, and human trafficking.
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