"Our Mission: Political-Military Affairs integrates diplomacy and defense, and forges strong international partnerships to meet shared security challenges."
The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), headed by Acting Assistant Secretary Tom Kelly, is the Department of State's principal link to the Department of Defense. The PM Bureau provides policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, defense strategy and plans, and defense trade.
PM Briefs Congress on Export Control Reform Progress
Acting Assistant Secretary Kelly (Apr. 24): “As the pace of technological advance accelerates, and as technological capability spreads around the world, the need to update our Export Controls is increasingly urgent.” Full Text»Video»Media Note» Fact Sheet»
Deputy Assistant Secretary Kausner (Apr. 24): “The nature of our relationships with allies and partners in the modern world is symbiotic when it comes to defense. We are safer when partners can ensure the stability of their regions – and they are safer employing American technology.” Full Text»
Integrating Diplomacy and Defense
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (Apr. 12): "The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs is often referred to as the principal link between the State Department and the Department of Defense. And so, at its core, our mission is to make sure that that relationship remains strong." Full Text»Video»
Making Progress Against Piracy
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (Apr. 10): “Pirates at sea are still searching for ships to target as we speak. But while the threat remains, the progress that has been made is real and remarkable.” Full Text»Fact Sheet»
Making the World Safer The U.S. is the world’s leading provider of financial and technical assistance for countries seeking to build peace though conventional weapons destruction. Full Text»
Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia Launches New Website The State Department announces the launch of the new official website for the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, www.thecgpcs.org. Learn more»