Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Post	Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
Department	United States Department of State
Reports to	United States Deputy Secretary of State
Seat	Harry S Truman Building, Washington, D.C.
Appointer	President of the United States
Appointer qualified	with Senate advice and consent
Inaugural	Evelyn Lieberman
Website	[https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/ Official Website]

Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs is a high-ranking position within the United States Department of State responsible for leading America's global public engagement efforts. The office oversees the formulation and implementation of public diplomacy strategies aimed at informing foreign publics and promoting understanding of U.S. society, values, and policies. It also manages the department's public communications and cultural exchange programs, serving as a principal advisor to the Secretary of State on these matters. The Under Secretary is appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate.

History and establishment

The position was formally established by the United States Congress through the Department of State Reorganization Act of 1999, consolidating several previously separate functions. This legislative action merged the former United States Information Agency (USIA), an independent agency created during the Cold War by the Smith-Mundt Act, into the State Department. The consolidation, which concluded in 1999 under the administration of President Bill Clinton, aimed to better integrate public diplomacy with traditional foreign policy. Prior to this, public diplomacy efforts were led by the Director of the United States Information Agency and, historically, by figures like Edward R. Murrow during the Kennedy administration. The first individual to hold the new under secretary title was Evelyn Lieberman, a former deputy chief of staff to First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Responsibilities and functions

The Under Secretary directs all State Department activities related to public diplomacy and public affairs, shaping the narrative of American foreign policy globally. Key functions include overseeing the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, which administers flagship programs like the Fulbright Program and the International Visitor Leadership Program. The office also supervises the Bureau of Global Public Affairs, which handles the department's press and public outreach, and the Global Engagement Center, which focuses on countering foreign state and non-state propaganda and disinformation. Furthermore, the Under Secretary guides the work of regional public affairs officers in U.S. embassies worldwide and collaborates with entities like the Broadcasting Board of Governors (now U.S. Agency for Global Media) on international broadcasting.

Organization and structure

The office is organizationally situated under the United States Deputy Secretary of State and leads several key subordinate bureaus. Primary reporting components include the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), the Bureau of Global Public Affairs (GPA), and the Global Engagement Center (GEC). The Under Secretary also maintains a close working relationship with the regional assistant secretaries and coordinates with the Under Secretary of State for Management on resource allocation. Field operations are executed through public diplomacy sections within embassies and consulates, often led by a Minister Counselor for Public Affairs. The structure is designed to ensure alignment with the strategic goals set by the Secretary of State and the National Security Council.

List of Under Secretaries

The position has been held by individuals from diverse backgrounds in media, government, and academia since its inception. The inaugural Under Secretary was Evelyn Lieberman (1999–2001), followed by Charlotte Beers (2001–2003), a former advertising executive from J. Walter Thompson. Subsequent officeholders include Margaret Tutwiler (2003–2004), Karen Hughes (2005–2007) under President George W. Bush, and Judith McHale (2009–2011) during the Obama administration. More recent appointees have included Richard Stengel (2013–2016), a former managing editor of TIME, and Steven Goldstein (2018). The role has occasionally been filled on an acting basis by officials such as I. Lewis Libby and Kathleen Stephens.

Related legislation and authorities

The office's authorities are derived from several key statutes and executive directives. The foundational legislation is the Department of State Reorganization Act of 1999, which authorized the integration of the United States Information Agency. Earlier laws like the Smith-Mundt Act of 1948 and the Fulbright-Hays Act of 1961 continue to govern educational and cultural exchange activities. Subsequent amendments, including those in the National Defense Authorization Act, have expanded mandates, particularly for the Global Engagement Center to counter propaganda from adversaries like ISIL and the Russian Federation. Executive orders from presidents, including Executive Order 13721, have further shaped its mission, and it operates under the overarching foreign policy guidance of the United States National Security Strategy.

Impact and notable programs

The office has a significant impact on America's global image and its ability to engage foreign audiences. It manages renowned cultural diplomacy initiatives such as the Fulbright Program, the Peace Corps (in coordination), and the Sports Envoy program. During crises, such as the September 11 attacks, the office led efforts like the Shared Values Initiative under Charlotte Beers. More recently, it has directed campaigns to combat disinformation from Chinese and Russian state media through the Global Engagement Center. Collaborative projects with organizations like the Smithsonian Institution and partnerships with Hollywood through the American Film Showcase exemplify its soft power approach. The effectiveness of these programs is often assessed in relation to U.S. strategic objectives in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Category:United States Under Secretaries of State Category:Public diplomacy Category:United States Department of State officials