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United States Strategic Plan
First Revision. Released by the Office of Resources,
For International Affairs
Plans, and Policy, U.S. Department of State,
Washington, DC, February 1999
STRATEGIC GOAL: U.S. EXPORTS
Expand U.S. exports from $930 billion in 1998
to $1.2 trillion early in the 21st Century.NATIONAL INTEREST:
Globalization of the world economy makes trade increasingly important to U.S. prosperity and well being, particularly in the high technology sectors of the U.S. economy. In 1998, U.S. exports totaled $930 billion, accounting for 12 % of our Gross Domestic Product one in every seven American jobs.
STRATEGIES:
- Focus U.S. advocacy, finance, public diplomacy, and other promotion efforts on sustaining, and where possible increasing, exports to key emerging market countries, in particular Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, Turkey, South Africa, India, China, Taiwan, Korea, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the other ASEAN nations.
- Strengthen export promotion in other markets and non-traditional sectors worldwide as opportunities arise. Integrate export and development strategies.
- Develop regional approaches and programs where intra-regional integration presents new opportunities, such as introduction of the Euro in Europe and Mercosur in South America.
- Promote and market USG financial programs that directly support U.S. exports. Increase domestic awareness of trade opportunities by reaching out to small and medium-sized firms, and through coordinated public outreach strategies.
- Support American firms doing business abroad. Provide services such as advocacy, export finance, investment insurance, advice on standards and practices, and dispute settlement.
EXTERNAL FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
- Due to the downturn in the economies of many emerging markets, annual world economic growth will be on the order of 1.5 %. However, trade growth will continue to outpace overall economic growth.
- The information revolution and other technology advances that hold out the promise of productivity increase will present the best opportunities for expansion of U.S. exports.
- The dollar will remain relatively strong, having a dampening effect on U.S. export levels.
INDICATORS:
- Overall value of U.S. exports of goods and services, and as a percentage of U.S. GDP.
- Levels of exports to the fastest growing economies.
- Number of U.S. companies exporting for the first time.
STRATEGIC GOAL: GLOBAL GROWTH AND STABILITY
Increase global economic growth and stability.
NATIONAL INTEREST:
Global macroeconomic conditions have an increasing impact on the ability of the United States to export and to sustain economic growth, while maintaining low domestic inflation and unemployment. Economic health is also a critical determinant of stability worldwide.
STRATEGIES:
- Through bilateral and multilateral efforts, encourage countries with significant impact on the global economy to pursue sound macroeconomic policies, and to adopt market-oriented investment, legal, and regulatory reforms that lead to economic growth and stability. Strengthen institutional capacity to support reforms. Advocate sound economic policies through public diplomacy.
- Reinforce public-private cooperation, including with the private banking sector, to take advantage of private sector expertise and to demonstrate private sector commitment to a country or region.
- Reform and strengthen the International Monetary Fund and other international financial institutions and secure arrangements to maintain global and regional financial stability.
- Increase cooperation among the G-7 countries and other major financial centers to reduce risk and ensure the resilience of the international financial system. Develop better mechanisms to avoid financial crises in emerging markets.
EXTERNAL FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
- The recent economic setbacks in emerging market countries and elsewhere will slow global economic growth to somewhere between 2 % and 3 % between 1999 and 2002.
- Globalization and economic interdependence will continue to increase and to outstrip the capacities of existing national economic structures.
INDICATORS:
- Global GDP growth rate.
- Measures of stability for world financial systems, for example, interruptions in external payment obligations, number and size of IMF programs in effect, and number of new exchange rate regimes.
STRATEGIC GOAL: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Promote broad-based growth in developing and transitional economies to raise standards of living, reduce poverty and lessen disparities of wealth within and among countries.
NATIONAL INTEREST:
Over the long term, the prosperity of America benefits as transitional and developing nations expand their economies and open their markets. Economic growth that reduces poverty and provides opportunity can further regional stability and complements the advance of democracy and rule of law. Sustainable development also ameliorates global problems such as high population growth, the spread of infectious diseases, and environmental degradation.
STRATEGIES:
- Promote transitions from centrally controlled to market-based economies, and help make free markets work in developing nations. Support sound macroeconomic and sectoral policies. Promote private sector trade and investment, and institutional and financial market reforms in developing and transitional countries.
- Maximize the impact of bilateral and multilateral assistance in developing and transition countries through coordination with other donor nations, multilateral organizations, and International Financial Institutions (IFIs). Restructure official debt of qualifying countries through bilateral and multilateral programs (Paris Club and Heavily Indebted Poorest Countries) tied to economic reforms.
- Promote agricultural development and rural incomes. Improve agricultural production and market mechanisms. Reduce the impact agricultural pests and diseases.
- Establish development partnerships with non-governmental organizations, business and professional associations, universities, think tanks, and private voluntary organizations in the U.S., internationally, and in assisted countries.
- Build human capacity through training and education, especially providing increased opportunities for women. Expand professional capacities in developing nations through education and exchange programs.
- Alleviate poverty and increase economic opportunities for the poor, including programs that support micro- and small-enterprises.
EXTERNAL FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
- The degree to which governments in developing and transition countries create the policy, institutional, and regulatory conditions for broad-based growth will remain the key determinant of success.
- Annual world economic growth will remain in the 2-3 % range between 1999 and 2002.
- Prospects for economic growth and improved well-being of large populations in the least developed countries remain largely in the agricultural sector.
INDICATORS:
- Annual GDP growth rates of developing and transitional nations.
- Per capita GDP.
- Ratio of external debt to GDP.
- Percentage of population living in poverty.
- Literacy rates.
- Life expectancy.
STRATEGIC GOAL: AMERICAN CITIZENS
Protect the safety and security of American citizens who travel and live abroad.
NATIONAL INTEREST:
The millions of Americans who travel and reside abroad expect to do so with freedom and in reasonable safety. The United States cannot prevent the difficult and often tragic situations that arise. The U.S. can, however, help ensure that its citizens receive information, assistance, and protection.
STRATEGIES:
- Provide high quality services to American citizens. Meet rising passport demand, and facilitate public access to information on passports, citizen services, consular information sheets, and announcements and warnings concerning foreign travel.
- When a crisis occurs, take all possible measures to protect American citizens, including military action and evacuation. In the aftermath of emergencies and disasters, assist American victims and their family members. Enhance the USG’s crisis management capability, including emergency citizen services for the public in the United States, and at diplomatic and consular posts abroad.
- Ensure consular protection for U.S. citizens abroad, including respect for their rights under local laws and due process. Work closely with Americans living abroad to develop effective communications, especially in locations where diplomatic or consular posts have closed.
- Maintain aggressive aviation and maritime safety programs, and enforce high standards for travel safety and security. Take extensive measures to thwart terrorist actions against Americans abroad.
EXTERNAL FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS:
- Passport demand, at a record 6.8 million in 1998, will grow by 3-5% annually between 1999 and 2002.
- International crises and incidents will often involve Americans overseas, and Americans occasionally will be singled out as targets because of their nationality.
INDICATORS:
Next section
- Level of American citizen satisfaction with services provided to them.
- Number of fatal international aviation and maritime accidents per 100,000 landings.
- Assessments of USG protection of Americans during crises, disasters, and emergencies.
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