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What Is Smart Power 2.0?

Extraordinary global challenges from terrorism to failing states to enduring poverty demand strong U.S. leadership and a new vision for engagement in the world. Over the past decade, the importance of using all our foreign policy tools to shore up our national security — development and diplomacy, alongside defense — has had strong bipartisan support. But today, our position in the world is being challenged.

That’s why we need Smart Power 2.0, a strategic investment in development and diplomacy that enables us to advance our national security interests abroad and better compete in the global marketplace. For just one percent of the federal budget, programs funded through our International Affairs Budget protect our security and advance our economic interests, while demonstrating our finest values as a nation.

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Development’s 1-2 Punch! The Power of Partnering with Diaspora Groups

May 13, 2013 | Ashley E. Chandler

Psssst! Over here…I want to let you in on a little secret. When executed properly, the partnering of public and private forces to solve critical development challenges can produce a “win-win” for all parties involved. Alright, so maybe the Power of PPPs (public private partnerships) isn’t much of a secret.

The Award for U.S. Global Engagement Goes to: Us

May 9, 2013 | Melissa Lieberman

On Monday, May 6th the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs awarded the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition with its 2013 Public Leadership Award for Responsible U.S. Global Engagement.

Engaging partners in our own neighborhood

May 7, 2013 | Zach Silberman

While foreign policy debates in Washington may be obsessed with the pivot to Asia or the crises in the Middle East, President Obama’s recent three-day swing through Latin America highlights that our engagement in our own neighborhood is just as important.

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 State

There 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 Senator

Economic development is a lot cheaper than sending soldiers.
Robert Gates Former Secretary of Defense

The 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 Senator

If you don’t fund the State Department fully, then I need to buy more ammunition.
General James Mattis Former Commander of United States Central Command

A 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 Committee

The 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 Security

The 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 Microsoft

Greater 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