How Does Diplomacy Keep Us Safe?

Diplomacy helps make our country—and the world—a safer place.

Our nation faces many international threats, from drug trafficking to nuclear weapons.

American diplomats work to promote peace and strengthen our national security.

From 2007 to 2009, Ryan Crocker (center) served as U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, where he used his diplomatic skills to help end sectarian violence and bring stability to the country. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Curt Cashour, MNC-1 Public Affairs.)

Diplomats negotiate treaties to avoid and end armed conflicts.

They help prevent the development and spread of weapons.

They combat terrorism and international organized crime, and assist American citizens abroad.

Assistant Secretary of State Richard Holbrooke meets with Muslim women in Sarajevo, whose husbands and sons were victims of the Bosnia-Serbia war, 1995. (Photo courtesy of Kati Morton)

Every day, diplomats around the world work to strengthen America’s peaceful relations with other countries.

They build strategic partnerships, coalitions and alliances, and collaborate with international organizations— including the United Nations—to advance international peace and stability.

Watch the case study below about building peace in Estonia: