Riley, Wilkins: Investing in Smart Power Helps U.S., S.C.

“Riley, Wilkins: Investing in Smart Power Helps U.S., S.C.”

By Richard Riley and David Wilkins

The State: February 2, 2010

During such difficult economic times, it would be easy for South Carolinians to focus only on what is happening here at home. The world outside of the United States can seem very far away, but investments in other nations have never been as crucial as they are today to South Carolina’s economy and to our security. The world has changed since 9/11, and the global challenges we face require not only a strong defense but also effective development and diplomacy programs. This approach has come to be known as “smart power,” where we use our tools of development and diplomacy along with a strong defense to respond to the challenges abroad in a more effective, coordinated fashion. This is not a Democratic or Republican issue, but an American one. Our congressional delegation has a chance to make a real difference for South Carolina by showcasing the strong bipartisan support that exists for smart power and why these programs are in our communities’ and nation’s self-interest.

So how does smart power help South Carolina? First, it is an economic benefit. Our state is growing more reliant on international trade every year. In 2008, South Carolina exported goods to foreign markets generating revenues that totaled almost $20 billion. In 2006, international trade supported more than 403,000 jobs in South Carolina- more than 17 percent of total jobs in our state. Given that developing countries are America’s fastest growing markets, representing 40 percent of U.S. exports, it is critical that our country invests overseas to enhance and build marketplaces for S.C. goods.

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Mr. Riley served as S.C. governor and U.S. Education secretary; Mr. Wilkins served as S.C. House speaker and U.S. ambassador to Canada. They co-chair the S.C. Advisory Committee of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition.

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