Dipnote - Entries By Category

What Is the Most Pressing Issue the United States and Asia Must Face Together?

2009-11-16T22:24:35+00:00

On November 12, President Obama began a 10-day trip to Asia, which includes visits to Japan, Singapore, China and South Korea. In Tokyo, President Obama said, "We have to understand that the future of the United States and Asia is inextricably linked. The issues that matter most to our people...are all issues that have to be part of a joint agenda."

What is the most pressing issue the United States and Asia must face together?

What Lessons Can We Learn From the Fall of the Berlin Wall?

2009-11-07T00:24:32+00:00

November 9 marks the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Secretary Clinton travels to Berlin to represent the United States at the 20th anniversary commemoration and meet with senior German officials. Prior to her trip, Secretary Clinton said, "For Americans, our relationship with Germany is rooted in our commitment to freedom and democracy."

What lessons can we learn from the fall of the Berlin Wall?

How Might the U.S. Support a Relationship of Mutual Respect With Muslims Around the World?

2009-10-23T14:09:43+00:00

Secretary Clinton travels to Pakistan October 27-30. She then travels to Morocco November 2-3 to participate in the 6th Forum for the Future. The Secretary recently stated, "....Our nation seeks a new beginning with Muslims around the world, a relationship based on mutual interest and mutual respect. It’s a relationship that requires us to listen, share ideas, and find areas of common ground in order to expand a peaceful, prosperous future."

How Might the U.S. Support a Relationship of Mutual Respect With Muslims Around the World?

What Role Will Youth and Emerging Technologies Play in Shaping 21st Century Statecraft?

2009-10-16T15:03:46+00:00

A coalition of private sector, NGO, academic, media, and government partners recently gathered in Mexico City to convene the 2009 Alliance for Youth Movement Summit (AYM). U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton provided a video address:

"You are the vanguard of a rising generation of citizen activists who are using the latest technological tools to catalyze change, build movements, and transform lives. ...That’s what we call 21st century statecraft."

What role will youth and emerging technologies play in shaping 21st century statecraft around the world?

What Is the Most Important Issue Facing the U.S.-Russia Relationship?

2009-10-10T00:17:26+00:00

This week, Secretary Clinton travels to Europe. In Moscow, she will meet with President Medvedev and Foreign Minister Lavrov to discuss bilateral and regional issues, such as cooperation on Afghanistan, Iran, the Middle East and North Korea. They will also review progress and provide guidance on a successor agreement to START and next steps for the Clinton-Lavrov Commission. These consultations are an integral part of our renewed partnership with Russia.

What is the most important issue facing the U.S.-Russia relationship?

How Should the P-5+1 Engage Iran Regarding Its Nuclear Program?

2009-10-03T01:55:47+00:00

On October 1, members of the P-5+1 met with the Iranian delegation in Geneva, where they held a series of discussions. Iran has refused to talk about its nuclear program since July of 2008. These discussions marked the first time the U.S. engaged Iran in the P-5+1 as a full participant. Three themes emerged: the unity of the P5+1 group, the focus on the nuclear issue, and the beginning of an intensive diplomatic process that we hope will lead to Iran allowing the international community to verify that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

How should the P-5+1 engage Iran regarding its nuclear program?

What Steps Can Individuals Take To Advance Global Food Security?

2009-09-26T00:21:19+00:00

More than one billion people — one sixth of the world's population — suffer from chronic hunger. Without enough food, adults struggle to work and children struggle to learn. Global food supplies must increase by an estimated 50 percent to meet expected demand in the next 20 years. Advancing sustainable agricultural-led growth increases the availability of food, keeps food affordable, and raises the incomes of the poor. The U.S. is committed to working as part of a collaborative global effort centered around country-led processes to improve food security.

What steps can individuals take to advance global food security?

What Issues Should the U.S. Make a Priority at the United Nations General Assembly?

2009-09-18T21:04:19+00:00

The United Nations 64th General Assembly convenes this month in New York.

Today, Secretary Clinton spoke at the Brookings Institution, where she said: "The United Nations is not only a critical, central institution, but one in which the United States has a lot of equities."

What issues should the United States make a priority at the United Nations 64th General Assembly?

How Do You Define Service?

2009-09-12T02:59:55+00:00

This year we commemorate the first September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Secretary Clinton said, "This country was built and has endured on a tradition of service. It's a common thread that binds Americans of all generations together."

How do you define service?

How Can the International Community Strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime?

2009-09-04T23:13:55+00:00

Recent developments underline the gravity of the nonproliferation challenge today. Earlier this year, President Obama called on all nations to come together to strengthen the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), which remains the cornerstone of the global nuclear nonproliferation regime.

The President said, “The basic bargain (of the NPT) is sound: countries with nuclear weapons will move towards disarmament, countries without nuclear weapons will not acquire them, and all countries can access peaceful nuclear energy."

How can the international community strengthen the nuclear nonproliferation regime?

What Does Religious Freedom Mean to You?

2009-08-29T01:30:55+00:00

The U.S. State Department's Office of International Religious Freedom monitors religious persecution and discrimination worldwide and develops programs to promote religious freedom. Given the U.S. commitment to religious freedom, and to the international covenants that guarantee it as the inalienable right of every person, the United States seeks to promote freedom of religion and conscience throughout the world as a fundamental human right and as a source of stability for all countries.

What does religious freedom mean to you?

What Actions Can the U.S. Take To Advance Understanding With Muslims of the World?

2009-08-21T22:14:55+00:00

Today, President Obama delivered a Ramadan message to extend best wishes to Muslims around the world.

Emphasizing America’s commitment to engage Muslims and Muslim-majority nations on the basis of mutual interest and mutual respect, the President said, “In the last two months, American embassies around the world have reached out…directly to people in Muslim-majority countries. And from around the world, we have received an outpouring of feedback about how America can be a partner on behalf of peoples’ aspirations. We have listened. And…we are focused on pursuing concrete actions that will make a difference over time – both in terms of the political and security issues…and in the areas that you have told us will make the most difference in peoples’ lives.”

What concrete actions can the U.S. take to advance mutual understanding and respect with Muslims of the world?

What Diplomatic Tools Can Be Leveraged To Promote Good Governance?

2009-08-14T20:46:58+00:00

Secretary Clinton just returned from an 11-day, seven nation trip to Africa, where she discussed ways to promote broad-based economic growth and foster good governance, partnering with regional leaders to prevent conflict and violence, including gender-based violence, democratic erosions and transnational threats.

Speaking to the Liberian National Legislature, Secretary Clinton said, “Democracy has to deliver, and both President Obama and I believe that dignity is central to what is at the core of successful democracies: a voice for every citizen in the decisions that affect your life, your community, and your country; the opportunity to earn a decent wage and provide for your family and live without fear; an equal chance, no matter what your background, your gender, your faith, ethnicity, or station in life; to combine your motivation and ambition with the opportunity that every society should present to its people; and a government elected freely and fairly, accountable to the people it serves.”

What diplomatic tools can be leveraged to promote good governance?

What Can Be Done To Empower Women in Africa?

2009-08-07T20:02:24+00:00

On August 5 in Nairobi, Kenya, Secretary Clinton spoke at the 8th Forum of the African Growth and Opportunity Act to kick off her 11-day trip to seven different African nations. She underscored that the future of Africa's women is of economic and strategic importance to the continent as well as the United States.

The Secretary said, "The social, political and economic marginalization of women across Africa has left a void in this continent that undermines progress and prosperity every day. Yet we know across Africa women are doing the work of a whole continent – gathering firewood, hauling water, washing clothes, preparing meals, raising children, in the fields planting and harvesting, and when given the opportunity of economic empowerment, transforming communities and local economies ... It is not only a moral imperative; it is an economic one as well. Everywhere I go, I see the hard work and the progress that women can make if unleashed, if given just a chance.”

What can be done to empower women in Africa?

What Steps Can the U.S. Take To Support Sustainable Growth in Africa?

2009-07-31T21:08:24+00:00

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton will begin a seven-nation trip to Africa at the 8th U.S. – Sub-Saharan Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum (known as the AGOA Forum) in Nairobi, Kenya. This trip will highlight the Obama administration’s commitment to making Africa a priority and will be the earliest in any U.S. administration that both the President and the Secretary of State have visited Africa.

The Secretary’s trip follows the themes laid out by President Obama during his visit to Ghana: supporting strong and sustainable democratic governments; promoting sustainable economic development; strengthening public health and education; assisting in the prevention, litigation, and resolution of conflicts around Africa. Secretary Clinton will also stress the importance of facilitating social and economic entrepreneurship and discuss ways to foster good, regional governance, partnering with regional leaders to ban together to prevent conflict and violence, including gender-based violence, democratic erosions and transnational threats.

What steps can the U.S. take to support sustainable growth in Africa?

What Issues Should be Addressed During the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue?

2009-07-24T21:13:47+00:00

This week, the first joint meeting of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue will be held in Washington, D.C. from July 27-28, 2009. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner will be joined for the Dialogue by their respective Chinese Co-Chairs, State Councilor Dai Bingguo and Vice Premier Wang Qishan. The Dialogue will focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities that both countries face on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global areas of immediate and long-term strategic and economic interests. This first meeting of the Dialogue also will set the stage for intensive, ongoing and future bilateral cooperative mechanisms.

What issues should be addressed at the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue?

What’s the Best Way To Tilt the Balance From Multi-Polar to Multi-Partner Foreign Policy?

2009-07-18T02:58:47+00:00

Earlier this week, Secretary Clinton spoke before the Council on Foreign Relations. The Secretary said that the United States will lead by inducing greater cooperation among a greater number of actors, tilting the balance away from a multi-polar world toward a multi-partner world.

What's the best way to tilt the balance from multi-polar to multi-partner foreign policy?

What Role Will Innovative Technologies Play in Streamlining U.S. Aid to Africans in Need?

2009-07-10T22:09:23+00:00

On Saturday, July 11, 2009, President Obama gives a major speech in Ghana, setting the tone for his policy towards Africa. The President previewed the vision he will lay out in an interview with AllAfrica.com.

During the interview, the President was asked how aid, investment and technology intersect in Africa. President Obama said:

“[T]echnology can play a very important role in streamlining our aid to countries, making sure that we're tracking how that aid is being applied, making sure that it's reaching the people it's intended to reach. …[I]t seems to me that what we should be doing is trying to minimize our footprint and maximize the degree to which we're training people to do for themselves.”

What role will innovative technologies play in streamlining U.S. aid to Africans in need?

How Can the U.S. Effectively Support Democratic Efforts in the World Today?

2009-07-03T16:03:23+00:00

In honor of our nation's 233rd birthday, Secretary Clinton delivered a video message for U.S. Embassies worldwide to play at their Fourth of July celebrations. Secretary Clinton said:

"For Americans, the Fourth of July is a day to reconnect with loved ones, to remember our history, and to renew our commitment to democracy, tolerance, and justice. As President Obama said in Cairo last month, these are not just American values, these are core principles we share with people everywhere."

How can the U.S. effectively support democratic efforts in the world today?

What Opportunities Will Full Diplomatic Representation Between the U.S. and Venezuela Present?

2009-06-27T02:56:23+00:00

On June 25, the United States and Venezuela announced an agreement to rescind the declarations of persona non grata issued in September 2008 and return U.S. Ambassador Patrick D. Duddy and Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Álvarez to their respective posts in Caracas and Washington.

U.S. State Department Spokesman Ian Kelly said, "This important step will help advance U.S. interests by improving bilateral communication and enhancing our outreach to the Venezuelan people."

What opportunities will the resumption of full diplomatic representation between the United States and Venezuela present?

What Can the International Community Do To Help Secure Aung San Suu Kyi’s Freedom?

2009-06-19T19:14:20+00:00

The United States Government is concerned about the spurious charges that Burmese authorities have leveled against Aung San Suu Kyi. Aung San Suu Kyi celebrated her 64th birthday last week from Insein Prison – yet another sad reminder of the Burmese authorities’ attempts to suppress the democratic aspirations of the Burmese people.

We urge the regime to cease the unjustified prosecution of Aung San Suu Kyi. We join with the calls of the international community and urge her immediate release, along with the release of all the more than 2,100 political prisoners the Burmese regime currently holds.

What can the international community do to help secure Aung San Suu Kyi's freedom?

What Unforeseen Barriers Could Hamper the Advancement of Food Security?

2009-06-13T03:13:20+00:00

On June 11, Secretary Clinton spoke at the 2009 World Food Prize announcement ceremony. Secretary Clinton underscored the Obama Administration's commitment to providing leadership in developing a new global approach to ending hunger. Sustainable agriculture will be a central element of U.S. foreign policy.

Secretary Clinton said, " The effects of chronic hunger cannot be overstated. Hunger is not only a physical condition, it is a drain on economic development, a threat to global security, a barrier to health and education, and a trap for the millions of people worldwide who work from sunup to sundown every single day but can barely produce enough food to sustain their lives and the lives of their families...hunger belies our planet's bounty. It challenges our common humanity and resolve. We do have the resources to give every person in the world the tools they need to feed themselves and their children. So the question is not whether we can end hunger, it's whether we will."

What unforeseen barriers could hamper the advancement of food security?

What Actions Will Promote Better Understanding Between the U.S. and Muslims of the World?

2009-06-05T21:16:20+00:00

On June 4, President Obama spoke at Cairo University, where he sought a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world.

President Obama said, “...[R]ecognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that challenges we face are shared, and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.”

What actions will promote better understanding between the United States and Muslims of the world?

How Should the International Community Respond to North Korea’s Recent Actions?

2009-05-29T22:39:42+00:00

The recent actions of North Korea run counter to the interest of regional peace and security and violate international law. The United States is working closely with colleagues on the UN Security Council to address this complex situation.

How should the international community respond to North Korea’s recent actions?

What International Crisis Would Benefit From Greater Public-Private Collaboration?

2009-05-22T23:19:42+00:00

Secretary Clinton invited the American people to text contributions to help the UN High Commissioner for Refugees assist the thousands of individuals affected by the recent humanitarian crisis in Pakistan.

Secretary Clinton is committed to increasing the State Department’s engagement with the private sector and civil society. Governments’ and philanthropies’ combined strengths increase their impact, demonstrating the power of partnership at its best.

What international crisis would benefit from greater public-private collaboration?

What Is the Most Effective Way To Promote Democracy Within Repressive Regimes?

2009-05-15T21:38:42+00:00

Aung San Suu Kyi has been under illegitimate house arrest for more than thirteen of the nineteen years since her party was elected by the people of Burma to lead their country. Throughout her arrest, she has served as a symbol of non-violent struggle for democracy and human rights and an inspiration to those seeking a peaceful, democratic Burma.

Her current period of detention is set to expire on May 27. The U.S. Government calls for the immediate and unconditional release of Aung San Suu Kyi and the more than 2,100 political prisoners currently held by the Burmese regime.

What is the most effective way to promote democracy within repressive regimes?

What Has the H1N1 Flu Outbreak Taught Us About International Collaboration?

2009-05-08T18:51:42+00:00

On Thursday, May 7, 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that more than 2,300 people in 24 countries had confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza. The WHO acknowledged the proactive reporting of and collaboration with the United States and Mexico to characterize the outbreak. Providing an effective response to pandemics requires close collaboration among international organizations and national governments.

What has the H1N1 flu outbreak taught us about international collaboration?

What Will Be the Greatest Challenges and Opportunities of Utilizing Smart Power?

2009-05-01T21:41:42+00:00

Today marks Secretary Clinton’s 100th day serving as Secretary of State. Secretary Clinton said, “[F]oreign policy must be based on a marriage of principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology. …We must use what has been called “smart power”: the full range of tools at our disposal – diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal, and cultural – picking the right tool, or combination of tools, for each situation. With smart power, diplomacy will be the vanguard of foreign policy.”

Looking forward, what will be the greatest challenges and opportunities of utilizing smart power?

How Best Can the International Community Support Security in Pakistan?

2009-04-24T22:31:58+00:00

The Taliban pose a serious threat to Pakistan and its neighbors. The United States is working with the governments in Afghanistan and Pakistan to counter these violent extremists and strengthen civil society and governance.

How best can the international community support security in Pakistan?

How Should Western Hemisphere Nations Leverage Combined Resources To Address Shared Challenges?

2009-04-17T23:19:58+00:00

President Obama and Secretary Clinton are attending the Fifth Summit of the Americas, which Trinidad and Tobago is hosting from April 17-19, 2009. In advance of the Summit, President Obama committed his Administration to “renew and sustain a broader partnership between the United States and the hemisphere on behalf of our common prosperity and common security.”

How should Western Hemisphere nations leverage combined resources (economic, political and judicial) to address shared challenges?

How Should the International Community Respond to Piracy at Sea?

2009-04-10T19:05:58+00:00

Piracy is a growing problem for the international community. UN Security Council resolution 1851 expanded the range of actions the international community could take to stem piracy near Somalia and urged for greater coordination between countries and international organizations on the issue.

Regarding the recent attack involving the Maersk ship, Secretary Clinton said, “These people are nothing more than criminals. ...Piracy may be a centuries-old crime, but we are working to bring an appropriate 21st century response.”

How should the international community respond to piracy at sea?

What Should NATO’s Future Hold?

2009-04-03T22:19:46+00:00

From April 3-4, 2009, NATO holds its 60th Anniversary Summit in Strasbourg, France and Kehl, Germany. The Summit will celebrate NATO’s past achievements while looking to the future of NATO.

In Strasbourg, France, President Obama said, “We cannot be content merely to celebrate the achievements of the 20th century, or enjoy the comforts of the 21st century; we must learn from the past to build on its success. We must renew our institutions, our alliances. We must seek the solutions to the challenges of this young century.”

What should NATO's future hold?

What Should the International Community’s Next Steps Be To Support Afghanistan?

2009-03-27T21:33:22+00:00

On March 31, Secretary Clinton will attend the "International Conference on Afghanistan: a Comprehensive Strategy in a Regional Context" at The Hague. The Hague Ministerial should reaffirm the solid and long-term commitment of the international community to supporting the Government of Afghanistan in shaping a better future for Afghanistan and its people.

What should the international community's next steps be to support Afghanistan?

What Is the Most Important Aspect of the U.S.-Mexico Relationship?

2009-03-20T21:53:53+00:00

U.S. relations with Mexico have a direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans – whether the issue is trade and economic reform, homeland security, drug control, migration, or the promotion of democracy. At the invitation of Mexican Foreign Secretary Patricia Espinosa, Secretary Clinton will travel to Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico from March 25-26, 2009.

What is the most important aspect of the U.S.-Mexico relationship?

What Actions Should the International Community Take To Resolve the Situation in Darfur?

2009-03-13T21:44:00+00:00

Earlier this week, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said, “I think it’s imperative that the African Union and its member states, the OIC, the Arab League come together and deliver a very clear message to the [Sudanese] government that they will not tolerate and stand by while over a million African Muslims are at risk of urgent death. The United States will review with our partners here in the Security Council what next steps we think are most appropriate, but I can assure you that the United States takes this very seriously and will act accordingly.”

What actions should the international community take to resolve the situation in Darfur?

How Best Can Women’s Rights Be Expanded Internationally?

2009-03-07T21:29:43+00:00

The world recognizes March 8 as International Women's Day. During her recent travel to the Middle East, Secretary Clinton met with women who are developing their own businesses through a microcredit program. Promoting women's economic and political participation is an important element of U.S. foreign policy and a key component of democratic development.

How best can women's rights be expanded internationally?

What Is the Best Path Forward for Gaza?

2009-02-27T22:01:02+00:00

Secretary Clinton will participate in the donor's conference for Gaza recovery hosted by Egypt on March 2. Special Envoy for Middle East Peace George Mitchell and other high-level representatives will be in attendance with the Secretary, and the U.S. has urged the international community to show similar support for the Egyptian initiative.

The March 2 conference is an opportunity to address the immediate humanitarian suffering in Gaza and support the Palestinian Authority's plan for reconstruction of Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state.

What is the best path forward for Gaza?

How Might the U.S. Utilize Innovative Technologies To Discuss U.S. Foreign Policy?

2009-02-20T21:29:38+00:00

Secretary Clinton recently posted her first DipNote blog entry and is participating in a new online forum, "Ask the Secretary." She also launched an internal State Department website, "The Sounding Board," to solicit feedback from Department staff. Secretary Clinton said, "There is no doubt in my mind that we have barely scratched the surface as to what we can use to communicate with people around the world, and in fact, to use them [new technologies] as tools...to further our own work and be smart about it."

How Might the U.S. Utilize Innovative Technologies To Discuss U.S. Foreign Policy?

What Actions Will Promote Better Understanding Between the U.S. and Asia?

2009-02-13T23:41:16+00:00

A half century ago, Asia was frozen in a cold war and wracked by poverty. As this century begins, Asia is a global economic power and a region of vital importance to the United States.

Today, Secretary Clinton said she would work with our partners in Asia to strengthen the positive transformations of the past half-century. The Secretary encouraged all Americans to provide outreach and commitments in an effort to improve the lives of both the American people and those living in Asia today.

What actions will promote better understanding between the U.S. and Asia?

How Ought the International Community Engage National Regimes To Transform From Pariahs to Partners?

2009-02-06T21:14:10+00:00

On February 4, 2009, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs William Burns met with P-5+1 counterparts to discuss the approach that the international community will take toward Iran. When asked about Iran, Secretary Clinton said, “Iran has an opportunity to step up and become a productive member of the international community. As President Obama said, we are reaching out a hand, but the fist has to unclench.”

How ought the international community engage national regimes to transform from pariahs to partners?

What is the Best Path Forward for U.S. Foreign Policy Regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan?

2009-01-30T16:19:01+00:00

President Obama and Secretary Clinton named Ambassador Richard Holbrooke to serve as Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan, two very different countries intertwined by geography and ethnicity. Ambassador Holbrooke will help coordinate foreign assistance to the region and work closely with partners on an integrated approach to address the situation in Afghanistan. In remarks, Ambassador Holbrooke said, “[W]e should underscore that we fully respect the fact that Pakistan has its own history, its own traditions, and it is far more than the turbulent, dangerous tribal areas on its western border.”

What is the best path forward for U.S. foreign policy regarding Afghanistan and Pakistan?

What Foreign Policy Objectives Should the Obama Administration Establish as its Top Priorities?

2009-01-20T16:01:01+00:00

On January 20, 2009, President Obama was inaugurated as the 44th President of the United States of America. What foreign policy objectives should the Obama Administration establish as its top priorities?

What foreign policy objectives should the Obama Administration establish as its top priorities?