Advancing progressive national security policies that are grounded in respect for democratic values: accountability, rule of law, and human rights.
Representatives of the U.N. Security Council members raise their hands to vote in favor of a draft resolution at the U.N. headquarters in New York, September 30, 2021. (Loey Felipe/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
Democracies around the globe—including our own—face threats not seen in generations. We work to bolster the guardrails of democracy around the world, strengthening the rule of law and accountability, and in so doing, we add our voice to the chorus pushing against authoritarian forms of government.
Revitalizing diplomacy
The United States’ most enduring advantage is our network of alliances. Alliances and relationships are increasingly important components of U.S. national power, furthering economic, security, and humanitarian aims. We develop and support approaches for revitalizing diplomacy to further U.S. engagement in improving lives at home and around the world.
Putting climate at the center of U.S. foreign policy
Climate change threatens global security, stability, and humanity, bringing sweeping changes to our world. We are working to center climate in our international efforts and policies by transforming strategy, culture, and budgets; outlining collective responses; and defining new bilateral and multilateral alliances that can advance collective solutions to these urgent problems confronting the country and the world.
Redefining American security in today’s threat environment
Many of today’s most foreseeable threats are those that affect daily life and prospects for prosperity: COVID-19, climate change, systemic inequality, racism, and global disinformation aimed at undermining rights and democratic practices. We are working to reconceptualize what national security means in the 21st century and how U.S. national security institutions and foreign policy priorities can adapt to protect Americans and safeguard human security for all.
Fact Sheet: Recommendations for Advancing Gender Equality at Home and Abroad by Leveraging Women, Peace, and Security
The Gender Policy Council should include the following recommendations in its governmentwide strategy to ensure it can fully leverage and expand the U.S. government’s existing women, peace, and security mandate and architecture.
Access to Contraception for Women Serving in the Armed Forces
The Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act and other policy changes are critical to address the reproductive health care inequities that women serving in the armed forces face.
