USGLC

Dr. Karen Donfried is Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.

Dr. Donfried has previously served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director of European affairs on the National Security Council and as a National Intelligence Officer for Europe on the National Intelligence Council.

 Past statements on development, diplomacy, and U.S. global leadership:

 On U.S. Global Leadership: At a 2019 German Marshall Fund event on American exceptionalism and the changing role of American foreign policy, Dr. Donfried noted: “It’s not only Americans who are interested in the role that the United States is going to play in the world, but our allies.” (source)

On Diplomacy: Addressing Transatlantic Division in a 2020 article, Dr. Donfried wrote: “Only if the United States and Europe can demonstrate through effective action that we are better off moving forward together can we begin to turn around the public’s skepticism and disenchantment with political leaders and with each other.” (source)

On COVID-19: Dr. Donfried said, “The United States and Europe should extend their definitions of national and international security to include the protection of public health. This should also strengthen NATO’s capabilities; in view of the common medical needs created by COVID-19, the alliance could provide additional assistance by building lasting, common stocks.” (Source)

On Africa: Dr. Donfried called for a Marshall Plan for Africa, “The African continent is woefully short on resources – both in the public health and economic sectors – to respond effectively to a pandemic. Beyond the compassion Europeans and Americans would show by helping Africans, such engagement would also be in their enlightened self-interest.” (Source)

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