Mohsini Alina, 17, one of 40 Afghan students selected to visitthe United States for a year, listens to a speech given by the

U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan at a tea party hosted for them,at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.

© AP/WWP Photo

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The State Department leadsthe United States in its relation-ships with foreign governments,international organizations, andthe people of other countries.It aims to provide a more free,prosperous, and secure world.The management of all of theserelationships is called diplo-macy. Diplomacy is vital tothe United States in that it isthe way in which the StateDepartment formulates,implements, and represents toother nations the foreign poli-cy goals of the President.

Diplomacy is vital to U.S. interests. The StateDepartment is a vital part of the U.S. Governmentbecause it:

■ Represents the U.S. overseas and conveys U.S.policies to foreign governments and internation-al organizations through American embassiesand consulates in foreign countries and diplo-matic missions;

■ Negotiates and concludes agreements and treatieson issues ranging from trade to nuclear weapons;

■ Coordinates and supports international activitiesof other U.S. agencies, hosts official visits, and

performs other diplomaticmissions; and

■ Leads interagency coordina-tion and manages the alloca-tion of resources for foreignrelations.

There are more than 190 coun-tries in the world, and the UnitedStates maintains diplomatic rela-tions with some 180 of them, aswell as with many internationalorganizations. Advances in trav-el, trade and technology havemade the world more intercon-nected today than ever before,

making interactions with other countries and their citi-zens more important for the United States.

The State Department has four main foreign policygoals:

■ Protect the U.S. and Americans;■ Advance democracy, human rights, and other

global interests;■ Promote international understanding of

American values and policies; and■ Support U.S. diplomats, government officials,

and all other personnel at home and abroadwho make these goals a reality.

Diplomacy in Action

Protect America Advance Global Interests Gain International Understanding Support Foreign and Civil Services

Ambassador John F. Maisto, U.S. PermanentRepresentative to the Organization of American Statesand Coordinator for the Summit of the Americas, joinsAmbassador to Jamaica Sue Cobb in greeting childrenat a Jamaican school. The class is participating in theCaribbean Center for Excellence in Teacher Training, aninitiative announced by President Bush to help imple-ment Summit of the Americas education mandates.

State Department photo

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Diplomacy is one of the best waysto protect the United States and theAmerican people. We use diplomacywith other nations of the world tosuccessfully deal with a number ofchallenges that cross national bound-aries and affect us here in the UnitedStates, including:

■ Terrorism;■ The threat of weapons of mass

destruction;■ HIV/AIDS and other infectious

diseases;■ Dangers of illegal drug traffick-

ing and crime;■ Humanitarian needs of migrants and refugees;

and■ Environmental degradation.

Americans at home and abroad face threats to theirphysical and economic well-being. The StateDepartment protects our nation, its people, and ourprosperity by helping to:

■ Prevent terrorist attacks and strengthen interna-tional alliances to defeat global terrorism;

■ Ensure America’s homeland security by promot-ing policies and practices to keep travel, trade,and important infrastructure safe;

■ Provide guidelines to manage the entry of visi-tors to the U.S.;

■ Promote stability in all regions of the world;

■ Prevent enemies from threaten-ing the U.S. or our allies withweapons of mass destruction;

■ Reduce the impact of interna-tional crime and illegal drugs onAmericans; and

■ Protect and assist American citi-zens who travel, conduct busi-ness, and live abroad.

Following are just a few of the manyways the State Department usesdiplomacy to protect America:

Fighting TerrorismAfter the attacks on the United States on Sept-ember 11, 2001, the U.S. learned firsthand the seri-ous threat it faces from terrorists and from countriessupporting them. Terrorists who performed theseattacks had no respect for human life or nationalborders. Terrorists threaten not only Americans, butall people who believe in freedom and democracy.They are the enemy of all civilized nations, and theywill be defeated only through the united action ofnations throughout the world.

To provide leadership in the fight against terrorism,the State Department works with other U.S. agenciesand foreign governments to:

■ Identify terrorist organizations and countries thatsupport terrorists;

Protect America

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■ Investigate the activitiesof terrorist organizations;

■ Shut down terroristfinancial networks; and

■ Bring terrorists to justice.

The State Department’s annualreport on terrorism explainswhat the United States and itsallies are doing to contain thedangers and sponsors of world-wide terrorism. Also seewww.state.gov/s/ct.

Homeland Security Security for Americans beginsat home but extends beyondour borders. In pursuit ofhomeland security, the StateDepartment conducts visaoperations and leads U.S.diplomatic efforts to gaininternational cooperation onmeasures to deter threats to travel, communications,and other critical infrastructure networks—informa-tion systems, transportation, and energy—and tosecure our borders.

Visas: Welcoming Foreign Citizens Immigrants and visitors have contributed greatly toour country, and we welcome them to continue theirimportant cultural contributions. Immigrants andvisitors who want to enter the U.S. must apply for avisa from the State Department. The StateDepartment carefully reviews more than 7 millionvisa applications per year. The visa regulations helpensure that no visas are approved for foreign citizens

who might harm our coun-try, thereby keeping us safewhile continuing to welcome citizens from around the globe. Also see http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/.

Regional Stability The State Department usesdiplomacy in all regions ofthe world to keep local con-flicts from becoming widerwars that may harm U.S.interests. The StateDepartment joins with othercountries in internationalorganizations to promote sta-bility and economic prosperi-ty. Following are some of theregional issues the StateDepartment manages:

Middle East Promote andsupport the development of democracy in Iraq.Continue to work with Israel, Egypt, other MiddleEastern countries, and the Palestinians to find a wayfor them to live peacefully together. Also seewww.state.gov/p/nea.

Western Hemisphere Join with other countries toconfront terrorism and illegal drug trafficking, whilepromoting institutions that support democracy andfreedom. Also see www.state.gov/p/wha.

Africa Help fragile nations confront poverty, disease,and war that afflict the continent. Also seewww.state.gov/p/af.

Salvadoran Vice President Ana Vilma de Escobar and U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador Douglas Barclay

initiated the construction of a school being built byUnited States Army reservists in Tecoluca, El Salvador.

© AP/WWP Photo

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East Asia and the Pacific Participate in organizationssuch as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forumwhich deal with a wide range of economic issues facingits member nations. Also see www.state.gov/p/eap.

South Asia Supportdeveloping democracy inAfghanistan. Work withIndia and Pakistan andthe international com-munity to deal withproblems between thesecountries, including thestatus of Kashmir andnuclear arms. Also seewww.state.gov/p/sa.

Europe and EurasiaPromote the NorthAtlantic TreatyOrganization and itsexpansion as keys tointernational coopera-tion and security. Alsosee www.state.gov/p/eur.

Weapons of Mass Destruction Weapons of mass destruction—such as nuclear,chemical, or biological weapons—pose a serious dan-ger to the United States and the world. We must beconcerned about the possibility that terrorists mayacquire these weapons for use against innocent peo-ple. The State Department works to ensure thatmore countries do not obtain these weapons and toverify that international agreements restricting suchweapons are being honored. Also seewww.state.gov/t/np/wmd/.

International Crime and Illegal Drugs International crime and illegal drug trafficking affectAmericans and people from every country. The StateDepartment helps other countries establish andimplement anti-crime and anti-drug laws, share costs

and political burdens,and strengthen courtsand government institu-tions so that it is easier tobring criminals to justice.

Controlling thetrafficking in illegal drugshas required increasedinternational cooperationfrom all countries. TheState Department hasprovided technicalassistance and trainingprograms for othergovernments. We haveincreased our support forlaw enforcement andassistance for developingcountries—such as

Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia—to stop production ofillegal drugs and their shipment to the United Statesand other countries. The State Department’s annualreport on international narcotics control (seewww.state.gov/g/inl) outlines the strategy for dealingwith this issue.

Trafficking in persons is a modern-day form of slavery.Criminals force or deceive their victims into labor orsexual exploitation and often move them across bordersinto other countries. This crime of trafficking humanbeings has been increasing at an alarmingly fast rate.

U.S.-sponsored educational programs help combat the spread ofHIV/AIDS in Mozambique. These women are performing a song thatwarns the members of their community about the dangers of AIDS

and teaches them how to prevent infection.

USAID photo

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Annually, approximately 800,000-900,000 people,mostly women and children, are trafficked worldwide,including 20,000 persons into the United States. TheState Department’s annual report on trafficking in per-sons (see www.state.gov/g/tip) is an important diplo-matic tool for ending this modern day slavery.

Helping Americans The State Department helps U.S. citizens travel, con-duct business, and live abroad safely by:

■ Providing information, including pamphlets andTravel Warnings, on traveling and living abroad;

■ Issuing passports to U.S. citizens; ■ Helping U.S. citizens obtain emergency funds; ■ Checking on the welfare and whereabouts of

U.S. citizens abroad; ■ Helping families with arrangements if a U.S.

citizen dies overseas; ■ Assisting U.S. travelers who become ill or are

arrested while overseas; ■ Assisting in international child custody disputes

and adoptions; and ■ Protecting and assisting U.S. citizens living or

traveling abroad during crises.Also see www.travel.state.gov.

Economic Prosperity and SecurityThe State Department supports U.S. businesses athome and abroad. Officers at U.S. embassies aroundthe world are experts on the business practices of for-eign countries and what products and markets areimportant in those countries. They identify oppor-tunities for American firms and help support them inexporting or working within the country. The StateDepartment:

■ Helps ensure that American workers, business-people, and farmers can fairly compete for

foreign investment and trade; ■ Negotiates trade agreements to open foreign

markets to increase opportunities to sellAmerican products and services abroad;

■ Supports U.S. business interests overseas bypointing out potential problems and helpingmake sure that American companies can sellproducts or services within a foreign country;

■ Works with international and U.S. organiza-tions to represent business interests;

■ Promotes and licenses exports that contributetens of billions of dollars to the U.S. economy;

■ Protects American intellectual property rights,such as copyrights and patents; and

■ Helps other countries develop strong, free-market economies that provide investment andexport opportunities.

Also see www.state.gov/e/eb.

Two boys from Honduras enjoy the fresh water piped in through the new water system.

USAID/Gabriella Chinchilla

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Democracy and Human RightsDemocracy and the protec-tion of fundamental libertieswere the basis for the cre-ation of the United States ofAmerica more than 200years ago. Since then, a cen-tral goal of U.S. foreign pol-icy has been to promoterespect for democracy andhuman rights throughoutthe world.

The State Department:■ Promotes democracy as

a way to achieve securi-ty, stability, and prosperity for the entire world;

■ Helps establish and assist newly formed democ-racies; and

■ Identifies and denounces regimes that denytheir citizens the right to choose their leaders inelections that are free and fair.

Human rights are a crucial foundation to create andmaintain democracy. The State Department worksespecially hard to promote human rights in thosecountries where democracy is not firmly established.

The Department:■ Holds governments accountable to their prom-

ises to uphold universal human rights; ■ Promotes greater respect for human rights,

including freedom from tor-ture, freedom of speech andother expression, freedom ofreligion, freedom of press,protection of the rights ofwomen and children, andprotection of minorities;

■ Promotes the rule of law,such as fair judicial andvoting procedures;

■ Helps reform and strength-en the UN Commission onHuman Rights;

■ Coordinates support forhuman rights with ourallies; and

■ Releases an annual report on human rightspractices.

Also see www.state.gov/g/drl.

Other Transnational IssuesThe State Department also deals with many issuesthat are transnational, extending beyond any singlecountry’s borders. Just a few examples include:

HealthTuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseasespose problems for health around the world and in theU.S. As these diseases spread and larger numbers ofpeople become sick, the stability—both political andeconomic—of a country becomes at risk. The StateDepartment works with other agencies of the U.S.

Advance Global Interests

The U.S. Government is devoted to providing long-termsupport to help victims of the 2004 tsunami rebuildtheir lives. Schools like this one on the outskirts of

Banda Aceh have begun reopening across Indonesia’stsunami-devastated region.

©AP/WWP photo

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Government and countries overseasto prepare and respond to worldhealth problems and monitor thespread of potentially dangerous dis-eases. Also see www.state.gov/s/gacand www.state.gov/g/oes.

EnvironmentMany environmental issues respectno borders and threaten the health,prosperity, and even the nationalsecurity of Americans. Pesticides infood and water, polluted air, andinvasive plant and animal species canhurt our welfare and economy. When people aroundthe globe lack access to energy, clean water, food, or alivable environment, the economic instability andpolitical unrest that may result can be felt at home.Climate change is another environmental issue, and

the State Department works withother countries to reduce emissions ofgreenhouse gases, for example, by shar-ing clean technologies with developingnations. Also see www.state.gov/g/oes.

Refugees, Migration, andPopulation GrowthThe State Department helps millionsof refugees and victims of conflict ornatural disasters around the world.Each year, the United States alsoallows tens of thousands of refugeesto live in the U.S. permanently.

Population growth affects the environment and theability of governments to provide services to thegrowing number of people who live in less space, usemore fuel, and require more food. Also seewww.state.gov/g/prm.

There is no country in the world that is not touchedby America, and there is no country that does nottouch us in some way. American principles of democ-racy, freedom, tolerance, and opportunity inspire peo-ple throughout the world. Increased recognition andunderstanding of these common values increases trustamong nations and peoples and betters the chances ofresolving differences and reaching agreements.

To achieve this understanding of other people andnations, the State Department must explain the policies

of the United States. While ensuring that its voice isheard in foreign affairs, good diplomacy dictates thatwe must also listen to the voices and concerns of othernations and peoples. The most effective way to haveothers hear our message is to welcome their views,from which we have much to learn.

The State Department provides information to for-eign audiences, often in various foreign languages,through television broadcasts, videos, print publica-tions, and the Internet, and by arranging appearances

Gain International Understanding

A family votes in the Azerbaijanpresidential election.

State Department photo

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U.S. diplomacy requires a groupof highly motivated people toaccomplish the foreign policy goalsof the United States. The ForeignService and Civil Service worktogether both in the United Statesand at U.S. missions abroad to makeU.S. foreign policy happen. In thewake of the terrorist attacks ofSeptember 11, 2001, our diplomaticpresence and programs are moreimportant than ever before.

The Foreign Service is a group of more than 11,000employees who represent the United States in othercountries. A Foreign Service career is a way of lifethat requires uncommon commitment, but throughwhich one can achieve unique rewards. Members ofthe Foreign Service can be sent to any embassy, con-sulate, or other diplomatic mission anywhere in theworld, at any time, to serve the diplomatic needs ofthe U.S.

The Civil Service is made up of about8,000 employees mostly in Washington,DC, who provide expertise, support,and continuity in accomplishing themission of the Department. Some CivilService employees are the domesticcounterparts to consular officers abroad,issuing passports and assisting U.S. citi-zens at home and abroad.

In addition, more than 31,000 ForeignService National employees, who are citi-zens of the country in which an embassy

or other post is located, are a very valuable part of theState Department team overseas. These employees pro-vide continuity by remaining in their jobs, while theForeign Service officers move in and out of the country.

Both the Foreign and Civil Services offer a variety ofcareer opportunities. For information on careers atthe State Department or at international organiza-tions, please visit: www.state.gov/employment.

by visiting speakers. The Department has placedannouncements on international television programsto show America’s values of freedom and religioustolerance to audiences in Arab and Muslim nations.

One of the most effective means of building mutualunderstanding is through one of our oldest tools:educational and cultural exchanges. The StateDepartment annually sponsors more than 35,000

such exchanges—both visitors to this country andAmerican traveling abroad. These exchange pro-grams offer firsthand experiences of American peo-ple, culture, and art to foreign visitors; they alsoexpose Americans to other cultures, ideas, and expe-riences. Such intercultural experiences give reality tothe universal values of human rights, freedom, equality, and opportunity that bind together all civilized nations. Also see www.exchanges.state.gov.

Support Foreign and Civil Services

Nongovernmental OrganizationCoordinator Deborah Faltz (left) andAdministrative Assistant Alicia Tatediscuss an upcoming NGO briefing.The State Department collaborateswith a wide variety of NGOs to offer

them an opportunity to exchangeviews with Department officials.

State Department photo

June 2005, Department of State Publication 11201

www.state.gov