EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The seven national interests and 16 strategic goals in the International Affairs Strategic Plan (IASP) provide a comprehensive framework for what the United States is trying to achieve in the world. These are summarized in the International Affairs Mission Statement on the following page.

This first revision incorporates several refinements, drawing on extensive reviews and comments provided over the past year by members of the foreign affairs community, both within and outside the U.S. Government. The principal intent of the IASP is to help USG agencies define their overseas roles and missions, to maintain a focus on fundamental long-term goals, and to inform Congress and the public.

Strategies for each of the strategic goals outline how the USG employs diplomatic, military, economic, and other assets to achieve results around the world. These strategies must adapt to trends such as globalization of the world economy and the information revolution, trends that also require the Department of State and other foreign affairs to evolve as institutions in the 21^st Century. Performance indicators in the IASP provide guides to evaluating whether or not these strategies are succeeding, although measuring results in foreign affairs is extremely complex, requiring flexibility and judgment.

In application, the International Affairs Strategic provides the basis for Ambassadors and their country teams around the world to prepare Mission Performance Plans that set out agency programs and request the resources needed to achieve their goals. In Washington, the strategic planning process is a powerful tool for coordinating among USG agencies, setting priorities, making tradeoffs when necessary, measuring performance, and preparing the International Affairs (Function 150) budget. Although it is consistent with the intent of the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA), the IASP is not intended for tracking individual agency performance.

Much remains to be done to improve the International Affairs Strategic Plan, but its primary value lies in its use as a tool for better government in carrying out the international affairs of the United States.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS MISSION STATEMENT The purpose of United States international leadership is to create a more secure, prosperous, and democratic world for the benefit of the American people. In an increasingly interdependent and rapidly changing world, international events affect every American. Successful U.S. leadership is essential to security at home, better jobs and a higher standard of living, a healthier environment, and safe travel and conduct of business abroad. Under the direction of the President and the Secretary of State, the United States conducts relations with foreign governments, international organizations, and others to pursue U.S. national interests and promote American values. The international affairs goals of the United States are to: Protect vital interests, secure peace, deter aggression, prevent and defuse crises, halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and advance arms control and disarmament. Expand exports, open markets, maintain global growth and stability, and promote economic development. Protect American citizens abroad, manage the entry of visitors and immigrants, and safeguard the borders of the United States. Combat international terrorism, crime, and narcotics trafficking. Support the establishment and consolidation of democracies, and uphold human rights. Provide humanitarian assistance to victims of crisis and disaster. Improve the global environment, achieve a sustainable world population, and protect human health. To advance the interests of the nation and the American people, the U.S. Government requires a strong international presence, highly qualified, motivated, and diverse people serving at home and abroad, extensive communication with publics both foreign and domestic, and the political, military, and economic means to carry out the nation's foreign policies.