State of the Union

Last night’s State of the Union address focused on the American economy, jobs, health care, and other domestic concerns. But President Obama also re-emphasized his commitment to global engagement, noting that “[O]ur destiny is connected to those beyond our shores,” and reminding Americans that actions taken abroad are essential for success at home. The President connected American development and diplomacy efforts around the world to job growth, economic expansion, enhanced national security, and stronger moral leadership for the United States, calling it “engagement that advances the common security and prosperity of all people.” More concretely, he set a goal of doubling exports over the next five years, which will support two million American jobs, and he encouraged Congress and the American public to strengthen the emerging clean energy sector, embrace international trade deals, and support global agreements to secure nuclear materials and weapons. Much anticipation awaits the President’s FY 2011 budget submission on Monday to see if he will also hold to his commitment to double foreign assistance by 2015.

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