The foremost responsibility of government is protecting the life, liberty, and property of its citizens. Since our struggle for independence, diplomacy has been critical to our nation's security. The Department of State, as the nation's first line of offense, leads the effort to build and maintain relationships, coalitions, and alliances that help create the conditions for peace, contain or eliminate potential dangers from abroad before they can harm our citizens, and promote economic, social, and cultural cooperation.

We recognize that our own security is best guaranteed when our friends and neighbors are secure, free, and prosperous, and when they respect human rights and the rule of law. As a result, the Department focuses its efforts on resolving regional conflicts, countering global terror networks, combating international organized crime, and keeping weapons of mass destruction out of the hands of those that can harm the United States, our allies, and our friends.

The following are the strategic goals that fall under this strategic objective:

Strategic Goal 1: Regional Stability

Strategic Goal 2: Counterterrorism

Strategic Goal 3: Homeland Security

Strategic Goal 4: Weapons of Mass Destruction

Strategic Goal 5: International Crime and Drugs

Strategic Goal 6: American Citizens

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