Diplomacy for the 21st Century: Transformational Diplomacy
Abstract
Many foreign affairs experts believe that the international system is undergoing a momentous transition affecting its very nature. Secretary of State Rice relates the changes to the period following the Second World War and the start of the Cold War. At the same time, concerns are being raised about the need for major reform of the institutions and tools of American diplomacy to meet the coming challenges. At issue is how the United States adjusts its diplomacy to address foreign policy demands in the 21st Century. On January 18, 2006, in a speech at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, Secretary Rice outlined her vision for diplomacy changes that she referred to as "transformational diplomacy" to meet the 21st Century world. The new diplomacy elevates democracy-promotion activities inside countries. According to Secretary Rice in her February 14, 2006 testimony before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the objective of transformational diplomacy is "to work with our many partners around the world to build and sustain democratic, well-governed states that will respond to the needs of their people and conduct themselves responsibly in the international system." Secretary Rice's announcement included moving people and positions from Washington, DC, and Europe to "strategic" countries; it also created a new position of Director of Foreign Assistance, modified the tools of diplomacy, and changed U.S. foreign policy emphasis away from relations among governments to one of supporting changes within countries. Except for needed appropriations, Congressional involvement in the implementation of the transformational diplomacy proposal appears to some observers to have been minimal. Changes were made under existing authorities, and no legislation or new authority was requested from Congress. This year, however, the State Department is seeking legislative authority (S. 613/H.R. 1084) to authorize funding and personnel issues for some aspects of the plan.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 23, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA471776
Entities
People
- Kennon H. Nakamura
- Susan B. Epstein
Organizations
- Library of Congress