CLEMSON, SC – The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted a roundtable discussion in Clemson, South Carolina featuring Representative Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03) on how U.S. global engagement is a win for South Carolina’s national and economic security. 

Biggs was joined by Lt. Gen. Thomas “Tom” James, U.S. Army (Ret.) and Nate King, Director of U.S. Policy and Advocacy for International Justice Mission, alongside military, business, farmer, faith, nonprofit, and community leaders for a conversation focused on how effective international assistance and diplomacy help keep Americans safe, expand economic opportunity for South Carolina businesses, and ensure the United States remains a world leader. 

“I do believe in America first, but I do not believe that that means America alone. American strength and engagement abroad helps us prevent threats from reaching our shores, counter the growing influence of rivals like China, and strengthen partnerships with nations that share our commitment to freedom and security,” said Representative Sheri Biggs (R-SC-03). “That leadership also creates opportunities for South Carolina’s farmers and businesses by opening markets, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring American companies can compete and win around the world.” 

“Our superpower is diplomacy, information, military, economics—a combination of all of that,” said Lt. Gen. Tom James, U.S. Army (Ret.).“In the military, when we talk about operations, we talk about combined arms operations. That’s air, ground, sea—all of it comes together across the domains to achieve an objective. Well, that is the same when we talk about the instruments of national power. Once you create security, then the diplomacy needs to be hand in hand. It can’t be one without the other.” 

“Global health investments like PEPFAR and other programs are really important. Of course, they fight disease, but they also help build resilient communities, and they also help strengthen these institutions that ultimately are responsible for serving their citizens,” said International Justice Mission’s Nate King. “We’ve seen the way that strong local institutions can really be an effective barrier to all kinds of social challenges, health care and otherwise. We’re trying to strengthen systems so that governments can better protect their citizens.” 

“America needs to use every tool in our toolbox—not just our military strength, but diplomacy and strategic international assistance,” said Jim Richardson, USGLC National Outreach Director. “When we invest in strong economic and security partnerships around the world, we strengthen America’s ability to compete and win.”