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.
Yellen’s Trip to Africa: A Chance to Reset US-Africa Relations
Kate Donald and Anne-Marea Griffin explore how Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s trip to Africa can play a major role in helping the Biden administration reset the U.S.-Africa relationship.
Lula’s Presidential Victory Is an Opportunity To Renew U.S.-Brazil Climate Cooperation
Following the election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to Brazil’s presidency—and the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act marking the largest climate investment in U.S. history—a moment of truth for climate emerges for the most populous countries in the Americas right as leaders gather for COP27 in Egypt.
The 2022 National Security Strategy introduces new ideas on navigating strategic competition with China and Russia, investing at home, and a renewed focus on the fight against climate change.
The Expanding International Reach of China’s Police
China’s Ministry of Public Security has expanded its global activities, increasingly threatening U.S. interests and influencing security sector governance around the world.
Elisa Massimino argues for the closure of the U.S. prison in Guantanamo, which, she writes, has become "a moral, legal, strategic, and financial sinkhole for our country."
