Under Secretary for Political Affairs
Template:Position The Under Secretary for Political Affairs is the third-ranking official within the United States Department of State, playing a pivotal role in the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy.
Role and Responsibilities
- Management of Diplomatic Activities: The Under Secretary oversees numerous bureaus within the State Department, including:
- The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs
- The Bureau of International Organization Affairs
- Various regional bureaus dealing with specific geographic areas like Europe, Asia, Africa, etc.
- Policy Advising: They provide strategic advice to the Secretary of State and the U.S. President on international political issues, shaping U.S. diplomatic engagement and policy.
- Crisis Management: During international crises, the Under Secretary often takes a leading role in coordinating the U.S. response, including policy formulation and diplomatic negotiations.
Related Organizations
The Under Secretary for Political Affairs interacts with:
- Various regional and functional bureaus within the State Department
- Other U.S. government agencies involved in foreign affairs like the National Security Council and the Department of Defense
- International organizations such as the United Nations
This position is overseen by the Secretary of State.
Appointment and Confirmation
The Under Secretary is nominated by the President of the United States and must be confirmed by the United States Senate. This process ensures that the appointee has the necessary support and credibility from both the executive and legislative branches of government.
History
The position of Under Secretary for Political Affairs was established in August 1959 to consolidate and streamline the management of the State Department's political activities. It was created to centralize the oversight of regional and political affairs, ensuring a more cohesive approach to foreign policy implementation.