The State Department web site below is a permanent electronic archive of information released prior to January 20, 2001.  Please see www.state.gov for material released since President George W. Bush took office on that date.  This site is not updated so external links may no longer function.  Contact us with any questions about finding information. NOTE: External links to other Internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views contained therein.

In order to carry out U.S. foreign policy at home and abroad, the Department of State:

• Exercises policy leadership, broad interagency coordination, and management of resource allocation for the conduct of foreign relations;
• Leads representation of the United States overseas and advocates U.S. policies to foreign governments and international organizations;
• Coordinates, and provides support for, the international activities of U.S. agencies, official visits, and other diplomatic missions;
• Conducts negotiations, concludes agreements, and supports U.S. participation in international negotiations of all types;
• Coordinates and manages the U.S. Government response to international crises of all types;
• Carries out public affairs and public diplomacy;
• Reports on and analyzes international issues of importance to the U.S. Government;
• Assists U.S. business;
• Protects and assists American citizens living or traveling abroad;
• Adjudicates immigrant and nonimmigrant visas to enhance U.S. border security;
• Manages those international affairs programs and operations for which State has statutory responsibility, and;
• Guarantees the Diplomatic Readiness of the U.S. Government.

Most of the time, State personnel in the United States and abroad carry out these core diplomatic activities in pursuit of specific goals. Some ongoing responsibilities are essential to the conduct of effective international relations and contribute to all international affairs goals, for example maintaining contacts and access overseas, or supporting official visits.  Similarly, State's management functions provide the foundation of support essential for maintaining U.S. diplomatic readiness around the world.

At posts overseas, the Ambassador reports to the President through the Secretary of State, and as Chief of Mission has authority over all U.S. executive branch personnel, except for those under a U.S. area military commander. The Country Team, led by the Chief of Mission, is the principal coordinating body for all U.S. Government agencies represented at overseas Missions. As the lead agency abroad, State manages U.S. Embassies, Consulates, and other diplomatic posts, and supports the international activities of the rest of the U.S. Government.

The world is more complex and the conduct of international relations is more demanding than ever before. Successful diplomacy requires deep understanding of the international environment and careful application of influence, persuasion, and negotiation. These are particular strengths of the Department of State.

As long as U.S. international leadership requires a universal presence overseas, State will have a core responsibility to maintain the Diplomatic Readiness of the U.S. Government.  This means ensuring that resources are adequate, matched to priorities, and are used effectively to put the right people in the right places, with the security and support needed for them to defend national interests and achieve U.S. goals.

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