Initiative makes recommendations for building a more inclusive foreign policy
Truman Center for National Policy is excited to launch a flagship report: Broadening Diplomatic Engagement Across America, aimed at strengthening the role of cities, states, and communities across the United States in building a dynamic foreign policy.
Read the Executive Summary Here.
Access the Full Report Here.
In March 2022, Truman Center for National Policy created a Task Force on City & State Diplomacy under the leadership of Visiting Senior Fellow Erin Bromaghim. Reflecting the views of more than 30 experts and practitioners, including members of the Truman National Security Project, the Task Force report provides key recommendations on how the U.S. State Department can strengthen ties with cities, states, and other subnational governments to address global challenges and build creative solutions, and how those cities and states can bolster their global diplomacy.
The Task Force is guided by five co-chairs immersed in city & state diplomacy, including Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Los Angeles Deputy Mayor for International Affairs Nina Hachigian, Representative Ted Lieu (33rd District, CA), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn). With their guidance, the Task Force produced a series of timely recommendations addressing:
- How to structure a commitment to city and state diplomacy within the State Department;
- How to build city and state capacity for international diplomacy;
- How nongovernmental organizations can partner with cities and states to build enduring capacity for diplomacy.
Listen to our Co-Chairs Discuss City & State Diplomacy at #TruCon2022.
Mayor Andre Dickens, Mayor of the City of Atlanta:
"Cities generate more than two thirds of the world's GDP, face some of history’s greatest challenges and their mayors are on the front lines tackling the kitchen table issues facing families across the globe. With urban growth comes a great responsibility to improve the lives of our residents—ensuring there is equity in city services, housing, safety, education and so much more. While no two cities are alike, there is a clear intersection between global and local affairs. Through organizations like the Truman Center Taskforce, our goal is to build a strong coalition of city and state leaders to broaden our influence in shaping national and global initiatives.”
Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs for the City of Los Angeles:
"City and state governments are problem-solvers, focused on building solutions that help their residents. These solutions are shareable, scalable, and can become bridges to other communities as a new vector for US. foreign policy."
Jenna Ben-Yehuda, President & CEO, Truman Center for National Policy:
“American mayors and governors are frontline national security decision makers on a range of issues of local and national consequence, but they often act alone. This task force report provides actionable recommendations to increase coordination between the State Department and City and State governments to deliver tangible benefits for the American people and better promote American interests globally.
Erin Bromaghim, Truman’s Senior Visiting Fellow for City and State Diplomacy:
“Cities and States around the world are working together on the transnational challenges facing our communities, from climate resilience to migration to gender equity. These relationships are valuable diplomatic connections that produce practical solutions, strengthen America’s leadership in the world, and broaden ownership of U.S. foreign policy.”
Jon Temin, Truman’s Vice President of Policy & Programs:
“Incorporating a diverse collection of views into formulating American foreign policy makes that policy better attuned to Americans’ priorities. Cities and states are a natural collection point for inputs into foreign policy and creative problem-solving. Washington should take note and prioritize structured, consistent engagement with cities and states.”
To learn more about Truman’s work on city and state diplomacy visit here.
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Truman Center for National Policy
