Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM)

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The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), headed by Assistant Secretary Andrew J. Shapiro, is the Department of State's principal link to the Department of Defense. The PM Bureau provides policy direction in the areas of international security, security assistance, military operations, defense strategy and plans, and defense trade.

Date: 08/10/2009 Description: U.S. Department of State seal © State Dept Image

Security. Partnerships. Political-Military Affairs.

Political-Military Affairs advances the State-DoD relationship by bringing "smart power" to U.S. foreign policy in seven key ways:
  1. Provides the Secretary with a global perspective on political-military issues;
  2. Supports formulation of regional security policy and conducts bilateral political-military dialogues;
  3. Promotes regional stability by building partnership capacity and strengthening friends and allies through security assistance programs;
  4. Regulates U.S. arms transfers and defense trade;
  5. Provides diplomatic support to the U.S. Department of Defense for basing, military exercises, and overseas operations;
  6. Contributes to Defense and Political-Military Policy and Planning; and
  7. Reduces threats from conventional weapons through humanitarian demining and small arms destruction programs.

Date: 08/10/2009 Description: U.S. Department of State seal © State Dept Image

Promoting Peace & Security Worldwide.
Click on the map below to learn more about PM programs
Western Hemisphere (WHA) Western Hemisphere (WHA) Europe and Eurasia (EUR)Near East (NEA)Africa (AF)South and Central Asia (SCA)East Asia and Pacific (EAP)
Taking Action Against Piracy
Date: 03/27/2012 Description: Assistant Secretary Shapiro delivers remarks at the Center for American Progress. © Screenshot of Center for American Progress WebsiteAssistant Secretary Shapiro (Mar. 27): "American diplomatic engagement and leadership on piracy has helped catalyze the action of others so that the burden of maintaining global stability is shared." Full Text» PM/CPMS»
 
Helping Libya Secure MANPADS Anti-Aircraft Missiles
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (Feb. 2): "In Libya, we are engaged in the most extensive effort to combat the proliferation of MANPADS is U.S. history." Full Text» PM/WRA» More»
 
To Walk the Earth in Safety
Secretary Clinton (Dec. 19): "To secure and destroy conventional weapons...the State Department collaborates with a wide array of partners, from the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, and USAID to dozens of public and private organizations. Full Text» Assistant Secretary Shapiro’s Remarks» DipNote Blog» Full Report» PM/WRA»
 
Supporting U.S. Defense Trade through Export Control Reform
Date: 08/02/2009 Description: The USAF C-17 Globemaster III performs a demonstration during the Seafair Chevrolet Cup in Seattle on Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. © AP ImageAssistant Secretary Shapiro (Nov. 9): "We are making substantial progress and our efforts will greatly benefit both American industry and our national security." Full Text» DDTC»
 
Ensuring Israel's Qualitative Military Edge
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (Nov. 4): "In these changing times, there is one thing that Israel can always be certain of – and that’s America’s enduring commitment to its security." Full Text»
 
Wanted: A Unified Security Budget
Deputy Secretary Nides (Aug. 31): "The reality is that State and USAID and the military are working more closely together in places around the world than ever in our history...We need a budget that reflects this reality." Full Text» 
 
Secretary Clinton and Defense Secretary Panetta on 21st Century National Security Challenges
Secretary Clinton (Aug. 16): "We want national security to be looked at holistically." Full Text»
Counter-Piracy: Safeguarding the Seaways
Assistant Secretary Shapiro (June 15): "Through the State Department’s new strategic approach, significant progress can be made to degrade the ability of pirates to conduct attacks and threaten vital shipping lanes." Full Text» PM/CPMS»
 

Making the World Safer
Date: 06/16/2009 Description: A demining technician from The HALO Trust conducts clearance operations in Georgia. - State Dept ImageThe U.S. is the world’s leading provider of financial and technical assistance for countries seeking to build peace though conventional weapons destruction. Full Text»
 

Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia Launches New Website
Date: 2011 Description: Screenshot of new website: Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia. © Screenshot of websiteThe State Department announces the launch of the new official website for the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia, www.thecgpcs.org. Learn more»


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