Strengthening America's leadership in the world through a strategic investment in development and diplomacy.
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A growing and broadening consensus is emerging that global development and diplomacy, alongside defense, are essential components of American national security. The question no longer is whether to strengthen diplomacy and development, but how to best shape, elevate, and reform U.S. civilian agencies.
After reviewing the stream of reports, articles and policy briefs over the past few years, the USGLC has again found strong consensus on the next steps to ensure effective foreign assistance and to strengthen our civilian agencies.
Democracy. There are few things more inherently American than democracy, so I guess it should then come as no surprise that our international democracy and governance programs are a critical part of America’s global engagement strategy.
There’s consensus in our community on what’s working in global development and diplomacy, and on how we can use lessons from the past decade to make foreign assistance even better.
A new infographic from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spells out why you should care about trade: because it supports American jobs.
At a time of change and challenge at home and abroad, these investments will enhance the security of Americans, assure the future American leadership, and help build the foundations of peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead.
Hillary Clinton Former Secretary of StateThere has never been a time when we could waste money on defense or foreign aid. We need to make sure the money is wisely spent. . . On the other hand, to withdraw or retreat from the world will create a vacuum that will be filled by [other] actors…Disengaging from the world will end up costing us more.
Marco Rubio United States SenatorEconomic development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.
Robert Gates Former Secretary of DefenseThe account we’re talking about can make the difference between a safe America or an at-risk America… if you don’t see it as a national security tool, then I think that we are missing the mark as a nation.
Lindsey Graham United States SenatorIf you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.
General James Mattis Former Commander of United States Central CommandA safer world and a more prosperous America go hand-in-hand. Economic growth is the key to avoiding the kind of painful austerity that would limit our ability to generate both hard and soft power.
Representative Paul Ryan Chairman of the House Budget CommitteeThe programs supported by the International Affairs Budget are as essential to our national security as defense programs. Development and diplomacy protect our nation by addressing the root causes of terrorism and conflict. But it’s not just about security. By building new markets overseas for American products, the International Affairs Budget creates jobs and boosts the economy here at home.
Tom Ridge Former Secretary of Homeland SecurityThe investments we make today in the developing world will help create the jobs of tomorrow here in America. Right now, the tough choice is to maintain foreign assistance, not to cut it. Right now, the bold act of leadership is to defend spending on key international programs, not to attack it.
Bill Gates Chairman of MicrosoftGreater engagement through diplomacy and development is not an option in today’s world: it is a necessity. Investing in American diplomacy serves the interests of our country in all corners of the globe and helps create a better, safer world.
Madeleine Albright Former Secretary of State
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