U.S. State Department - Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs

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Collage of Photos.

U.S. engagement in the world and the Department of State's engagement of the American public are indispensable to the conduct of U.S. foreign policy. Under the State Department's reorganization on October 1, 1999, Evelyn Lieberman became the first Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. As she remarked in her confirmation hearing, "[P]ublic diplomacy, practiced in harmony with traditional diplomacy, will enable us to advance our interest, to protect our security, and to continue to provide the moral basis for our leadership in the world."

For public diplomacy, reorganization brings the people and programs responsible for engaging, informing, and influencing key audiences around the globe into the Department of State. At the same time, the Department vigorously continues its efforts to broaden its traditional public affairs dialogue with American citizens, media, and institutions. As Secretary Albright has said, her first responsibility as Secretary of State is to keep in touch with Americans throughout our country: Keeping the American public informed remains the ultimate foundation of successful foreign policy.

Please see current site for Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs