American diplomacy is based on the fundamental beliefs that our freedom is best protected when others are free; our prosperity depends on the prosperity of others; and our security relies on a global effort to defend the rights of all. In this extraordinary moment in history, when the rise of freedom is transforming societies around the world, the United States has an immense responsibility to use its diplomatic influence constructively to advance security, democracy, and prosperity around the globe.
The Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of American diplomacy and the Secretary of State is the President’s principal foreign policy advisor. All foreign affairs activities – U.S. representation abroad, foreign assistance programs, countering international crime, foreign military training programs, services the Department provides to American citizens abroad, and many others – are paid for by the foreign affairs budget, which represents about one percent of the total federal budget. This small investment is essential to maintaining U.S. leadership abroad, which promotes and protects the interests of American citizens.
| OUR MISSION STATEMENT |
| Advance freedom for the benefit of the American people and the international community by helping to build and sustain a more democratic, secure, and prosperous world composed of well-governed states that respond to the needs of their people, reduce widespread poverty, and act responsibly within the international system. |
 D |
Note: The Education Strategic Priority and Social Services and Protection for Especially Vulnerable Populations Strategic Priority are addressed by USAID. For more information on these priorities please refer to the FY 2008 USAID Annual Performance Report at http://www.usaid.gov/policy/apr08/.
