3D Security Initiative

Two important new reports detail the need for a change in the way the US relates to the world.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies' Smart Power Commission Report details a plan for how the U.S. should renew alliances, partnerships and institutions in the global community and do more to promote development and change current trade policies that punish poorer countries.

The HELP Commission report makes similar recommendations for investing far more resources in relating to the world through more robust diplomacy and effective development strategies. It too suggests revamping trade policies, which currently contradict US development and security goals abroad.

In addition, the HELP Commission outlines a new infrastructure for the U.S. government including a strengthening of the State Department and creating four units within it to focus on political and security affairs; economic affairs, development and trade; humanitarian services and stabilization; and public diplomacy and consular affairs. Several of the commissioners instead argued for a cabinet-level department for international development, such as the one created in the UK.

Both reports give a taste for the growing consensus within Washington that 1) we need greater investments in non-military tools of diplomacy, development and trade to engage more wisely with the world and 2) we need a mission or strategy that centers more on multilateral engagement where the U.S. provides respectful leadership and acts as part of a family of nations.

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Lisa Schirch