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The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), headed by Assistant Secretary Andrew J. Shapiro, 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. |
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Security. Partnerships. Political-Military Affairs. |
Political-Military Affairs advances the State-DoD relationship by bringing "smart power" to U.S. foreign policy in six key ways:
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Promoting Peace & Security Worldwide. |
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U.S. Announces $2 Million for Landmine Clearance in Mozambique
Award is latest in more than $47 million for Mozambique's post-conflict recovery under the U.S. Humanitarian Mine Action program. DipNote Blog | Full Text
U.S.-Azerbaijan Security Dialogue Meets in Washington
Talks promote enhanced cooperation on a wide range of shared security challenges. Full Text
U.S.-Colombia Defense Cooperation Agreement Signed
New agreement deepens longstanding partnership on shared security challenges. Media Note | Fact Sheet
Recent Efforts to Reduce the Threat of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
In an October 22 speech, Assistant Secretary Shapiro highlighted efforts by the United States and the international Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia to apply 21st century solutions to one of the world’s oldest criminal enterprises—piracy—which continues to endanger commercial shipping in the Horn of Africa region. Press Release | Speech
Partnership for Peace
The Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) has trained and equipped nearly 87,000 foreign troops to serve as international peacekeepers. DipNote Blog
Counterpiracy: Confronting Criminals on the High Seas
The United States has joined 44 other countries in the international effort to fight piracy off of Somalia through the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. DipNote Blog
Secretary Clinton and Defense Secretary Gates Discuss State-DOD Partnership
Secretary Clinton (Oct. 5): "Our assessment was that we needed to focus on how to help the people of Afghanistan lift themselves up...and it goes hand-in-hand with our military effort." Full Text
President Obama Renews U.S. Commitment to Peacekeeping
White House Special Assistant Samantha Power briefed journalists at the Foreign Press Center. Full Text
Quick Reaction Force Helps Remove Remnants of War
U.S. weapons destruction experts partner with authorities in Papua New Guinea to assess lingering dangers from buried munitions left over from World War II. Full Text
Afghanistan: Landmine Clearance Safeguards Communities One Square Kilometer at a Time
"When you remove landmines and other explosive hazards in Afghanistan, you enable socio-economic development that could further the larger goal of promoting stability and security." DipNote Blog
Political-Military Affairs: Smart Power Starts Here
Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs Andrew J. Shapiro outlined his top policy priorities in a September 9 keynote address to the ComDef 2009 defense policy conference. Full Text
Sri Lanka: Humanitarian Mine Action Helps Families Return Home
How many landmines does it take to cripple a community? DipNote Blog.
Humanitarian Mine Action Promotes Post-Conflict Recovery in Angola
During visit to Angola, Secretary Clinton found a nation working to emerge from nearly 40 years of conflict. Angola's wars have left behind a deadly legacy: abandoned landmines and unexploded munitions. Full Text
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