US report on American engagement and leadership abroad released
The US State Department released the 2015 the Quadrennial Diplomacy and Development Review (QDDR) Report on 28 April 2015.
The QDDR defines a vision for American engagement and leadership abroad. The QDDR will be the blueprint for the next generation of American Diplomacy and will ensure that American diplomatic and development efforts are better able to advance US interests and priorities as articulated in the 2015 National Security Strategy.
The QDDR is about how The US State Dept and USAID operate, how it needs to operate, and to identify threats and also opportunities for America. is related to the need for better governance across the globe.
The inaugural QDDR set out broad parameters. The Review looks at challenges, many internal, that will advance the effectiveness of American diplomacy and development.
It focuses on the threats of violent extremism and climate change, economic engagement to promote inclusive economic growth and promote U.S. business, and seek to support the democratic principles and institutions fundamental to world order. It would use technological advances and new techniques to gather knowledge and data, and effectively use open source information.
The QDDR focuses on four strategic priorities for the State Dept and USAID. These include the fight against violent extremism, building open societies, promoting shared prosperity, and curbing climate change.
Increasing US partnerships and engaging beyond the nation-state: to work with civil society groups to promote democracy and good governance and address gender-based violence; partner with local communities vulnerable to violent extremism; 10 and collaborate with all sectors and levels of government to find innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges and expand US leadership at the United Nations and in other international organizations, central to transnational challenges.
Focusing on improving governance: As Governance affects the security and interests of the United States and it allies around the world. and that a lack of pluralism, transparency, and democracy exacerbates instability and violent extremism, suffocates inclusive economic growth, and is inconsistent with the advancement of human rights. Corrupt and poorly governed states often lack the capacity to take on shared international challenges. Societies that allow citizens a say and a stake in their success are more stable, prosperous, and secure. The US will be partners with those nations and individuals committed to the difficult work of building strong, democratic governance, sharing in the responsibilities of collective security, and adhering to international norms and standards.
Managing and mitigating physical risk. The Department and USAID to ensure that the US continues to balance its values and interests with the inherent risks of 21st-century diplomacy and development. We will encourage a broad dialogue on physical risk with the Executive and Legislative branches and beyond, recognizing that we cannot stop all threats. In consultation with Congress, our interagency partners, and other stakeholders, we will seek ways to streamline operations and increase flexibility in dangerous environments, and we will implement the Department’s risk-management policy. Additionally, we will continue to develop skilled, professional leaders and managers with the judgment to make tough calls and to trust their people to do the same.
Enhancing the use of data, diagnostics, and technology. In a world of information saturation, effective diplomacy and development require smart investments in the technology, knowledge management, and diagnostics that allow us to leverage data. The steps outlined in this report focus on everything from better application of data for crisis prevention and inclusive growth to greater accountability for strategic planning and programs. To strengthen information capabilities and integration, the State Department will establish a multidisciplinary hub for analytics, data science, strategy, and knowledge management.