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State Department official: diplomats should prioritize U.S. national interests, seek partnerships and carry out "hard diplomacy" when needed
Summary
In brief remarks, a State Department official said U.S. diplomats must act in the nation's interest, pursue partnerships where interests align and use "hard diplomacy" where they conflict; the comments described expectations for diplomats rather than announcing new policy or formal action.
A State Department official said in remarks that U.S. diplomats must act "in the best interest of The United States" and should seek partnerships when national interests align while pursuing "hard diplomacy" when interests conflict.
"We're living in a transformational moment, and our job first and foremost is to act in the best interest of The United States. When our national interests align with other countries, that's where we seek partnerships, how we can work together. Where our national interests are in conflict, that's where the hard diplomacy happens," the official said.
The speaker said in the same remarks that, while senior officials sometimes travel to meet foreign leaders, diplomats serving abroad will "on a daily and regular basis, be the eyes, the ears, and the voice of The United States Of America." The comments described the role and expectations for diplomatic personnel but did not propose or record any formal action or policy change.
No votes, motions, or formal directives were recorded in connection with these remarks.
