21st Century Defense Priorities
Press Statement
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
Washington, DC
January 5, 2012
This morning, President Obama and Secretary of Defense Panetta unveiled new strategic guidance that reflects our 21st
century defense needs and secures America’s leadership for the future.
The Defense Department and State Department continue to work
side-by-side to bring the full range of American assets to bear on our
foreign policy. As the new strategy notes, meeting our challenges cannot
be the work of our military alone. Diplomacy and development are equal
partners with defense in our smart power approach to promoting American
interests and values abroad, building up our economic prosperity, and
protecting our national security.
This new guidance is a critical
element in our integrated approach to strengthening American leadership
in a changing world. It enhances the capabilities and relationships we
need to lead and meet our responsibilities for years to come. And it
promotes our strategic priorities, including sustaining a global
presence while strengthening our focus on the Asia-Pacific region;
deterring our adversaries and fulfilling our security commitments;
investing in critical alliances and partnerships, including NATO;
combating violent extremists and defending human dignity around the
world; and preserving our ability to respond quickly to emerging
threats. As we move forward with this strategy, we will continue to
consult our allies and partners to address our shared concerns, seize
new opportunities, and bolster global stability.
I look forward to
continuing the close partnership between the Departments of State and
Defense as we work together to realize President Obama’s vision for the
security of the United States and its people.
