Clinton outlines US foreign policy successes, challenges ahead

Secretary of State Hilary Clinton addressed members of the Council on Foreign Relations on Wednesday. In her remarks, Clinton outlined the Obama administration’s broad foreign policy strategies and took questions from members on a range of topics. As Michael Lawson reports, the 21st century foreign policy agenda also includes domestic issues.

TRANSCRIPT:

In her remarks, Clinton discussed the administration’s intention to build what they call a new global architecture for the country to lead in the 21st century. Clinton used the President’s National Security Strategy to outline how to achieve overall foreign policy goals.

HILARY CLINTON: Today more than ever our ability to exercise global leadership depends on building a strong foundation here at home.  That’s why rising debt and crumbling infrastructure pose very real long-term national security threats.

The administration’s strategy hinges on strengthening infrastructure and economic security — a break from the unilateral military focus of most of the Bush presidency. Paul Kawika Martin is organizing director for grassroots coalition Peace Action. He says while the shift in focus is a start, there is a long way to go before foreign policy represents American values.

PAUL KAWIKA MARTIN: The Obama administration has certainly used better rhetoric throughout the world. Less Islam-bashing etc. is also good.  On the other hand, we have triple the number of troops in Afghanistan. We haven’t closed Guantanamo. We’ve said good things about nuclear weapons but increasing spending on them by 20 percent.

While peace groups think the Pentagon should make more budget cuts—especially for weapons—Clinton lamented Congressional cuts to State Department agencies she says are responsible for ensuring success in Iraq. Clinton said the country needs a more sensible approach integrating diplomatic and military funding needs.

CLINTON: It’s a mistake to look at all of these items—foreign aid, diplomatic operations, defense—as stovepipes because what we know, especially from the threats that we have faced in Iraq and now in Afghanistan is you have to be more integrated. So let’s start thinking from a budget perspective about how to be more integrated.

Besides changing domestic spending priorities, Clinton says diplomacy in the 21st century must acknowledge changing global realities. She discussed the U.S. role in Sudan, saying the country's referendum vote in 2011 to separate into North and South could be a ticking time bomb. The decision could have an impact on oil and other natural resources in the country. Amirah Woods is with Foreign Policy in Focus.

AMIRAH WOODS: Clearly when we talk about Sudan we have to talk about oil, when we talk about Africa we have to talk about oil. Africa has surpassed the Middle East as a supplier of oil to the United States.  That has changed the calculus in terms of U.S. engagement with the continent.

Closer to home, Clinton expressed growing concern about Mexican drug cartel violence, but acknowledged stopping the flow of U.S. weapons to Mexico would be a major part of ending the bloodshed.

Michael Lawson, FSRN, Washington.