U.S. Department of State

The United States must provide for the safety of Americans at home and abroad, protect against threats to its interests worldwide, and honor commitments to its allies and friends. The activities of the Department are cost-effective means for enhancing and ensuring stability in all regions of the world. Through diplomatic means, the United States builds and strengthens relations with neighbors and allies worldwide by shaping regional environments and by educating foreign audiences in ways that can prevent, contain, or resolve conflicts, and foster cooperative efforts. The benefits to the U.S. are greatest when the world is safer and more stable. Factors that contribute to regional instability include, but are not limited to economic instability, health crises, the illegal trade in toxic chemicals and dumping of hazardous wastes, exploitation of natural resources, trafficking in persons and in illegal conflict diamonds and systemic, state-sponsored denial of women's political and legal rights. The Department also advances U.S. national security interests through the resolution of regional instability, so that Americans, at home and abroad, are safe from violence. The Department achieves these regional stability objectives by focusing on two main performance goals: "Close Ties with Allies and Friends" and "Resolution of Regional Conflicts."

U.S. President George W. Bush, center, speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, left, during the opening session of the NATO summit in Prague. NATO leaders formally invited seven ex-communist countries to join the alliance. ? AP Photo/Laurent Rebours