Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
The Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs directs U.S. efforts aimed at understanding, informing, and influencing foreign publics to promote national interests. This role also fosters dialogue between American citizens and institutions and their international counterparts.
Role and Responsibilities
- Public Diplomacy: This includes managing programs that enhance the U.S. image abroad through cultural, educational, and information exchanges.
- Strategic Communication: Develops and implements strategies for international communication to shape foreign perceptions of U.S. policies and actions.
- Educational and Cultural Exchanges: Oversees initiatives like the Fulbright Program, which supports exchanges in education, arts, and culture.
- Media Relations: Manages the State Department’s interactions with foreign and domestic media to ensure accurate dissemination of U.S. policy and activities.
- Policy Development: Advises the Secretary of State, the President, and other senior officials on public diplomacy strategies that align with broader U.S. foreign policy goals.
Related Organizations
The Under Secretary works closely with:
- Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs
- Bureau of Global Public Affairs
- U.S. Agency for Global Media
- Various embassies and consulates through their Public Affairs Sections
This position is under the oversight of the Secretary of State.
Appointment and Confirmation
The Under Secretary is appointed by the President of the United States and requires confirmation by the United States Senate. This process ensures that the individual is well-suited for promoting U.S. interests through public diplomacy with the backing of both the executive and legislative branches.
History
This position was established on October 1, 1999, as part of a reorganization within the State Department to enhance the focus on public diplomacy. It was created to meet the increasing importance of soft power in international relations, emphasizing the need to communicate effectively with global audiences in an era of information proliferation.