Why Women and Girls Matter to U.S. Foreign Policy

by Amb Cathy Russell, iop.harvard.edu

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Excerpt:

Week 2: Using American soft power to support women and girls.

Wise diplomats know that American power includes the ability to persuade others to follow our lead. The United States conveys and highlights our culture and values through a wide range of public diplomacy [JB emphasis] and exchange programs administered by the Department of State. In 2017, OMB Director Mulvaney announced a “hard power budget” which proposed dramatic cuts in State Department and USAID budgets. What is the value of soft power in promoting and supporting women’s rights? What programs have been most effective in conveying the important values of equality and opportunity? ...