History and Mission

Founded in 1789, the Department of State was the first executive department established under the U.S. Constitution. Its creation marked a defining moment in the formation of American diplomacy. Under the leadership of the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson, the department laid the foundation for the United States’ engagement with the world.

Today, the State Department continues to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives, negotiate international agreements, support democratic values, and respond to global challenges through a network of embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions.

The U.S. Department of State: Mission, Responsibilities, and Global Role

Mission and Vision

The mission of the U.S. Department of State is “to protect and promote the security, prosperity, and democratic values of the United States and to shape an international environment in which all Americans can thrive.” Its diplomatic objectives focus on preventing conflict, strengthening alliances, fostering global cooperation, and promoting human rights and democratic institutions worldwide.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Department of State plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the U.S. presence and influence on the global stage. Its core responsibilities include:

• Managing Foreign Relations: The State Department maintains diplomatic relations with over 190 countries and international organizations through a global network of U.S. embassies, consulates, and missions.

• Negotiating Treaties and Agreements: The Department leads negotiations on trade, defense, environmental, and other international agreements, working directly with foreign governments and leaders.

• Assisting U.S. Citizens Abroad: U.S. diplomatic posts offer essential services such as passport renewal, emergency assistance, and legal support to Americans living, working, or traveling overseas.

• Visa Services: The Department processes and issues both immigrant and nonimmigrant visas for individuals seeking to travel, study, work, or immigrate to the United States.

• Promoting American Values: It actively promotes democratic governance, the rule of law, freedom of speech, and human rights through diplomatic engagement and public advocacy.

• Global Development and Humanitarian Aid: In coordination with agencies like USAID, the State Department supports economic development, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief in vulnerable regions worldwide.

Leadership and Organizational Structure

The Department is led by the Secretary of State, who is appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate. As the President’s chief foreign policy advisor, the Secretary of State is fourth in the presidential line of succession.

Headquartered at the Harry S. Truman Building in Washington, D.C., the Department employs more than 75,000 personnel, including Foreign Service officers, civil servants, and locally employed staff around the world.

Its structure is divided into geographic bureaus (e.g., Bureau of African Affairs, Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs) and functional bureaus (e.g., counterterrorism, cybersecurity, climate policy) to address both regional and global priorities.

Diplomacy in Action

Through proactive diplomacy, the State Department addresses critical global challenges such as nuclear proliferation, terrorism, climate change, global health threats, and cyber insecurity. It works with international partners, multilateral organizations, and civil society to promote stability and advance U.S. interests. The Department also plays a leading role in shaping policy at forums like the United Nations.

Public Diplomacy and Global Communication

The Department engages in public diplomacy to communicate U.S. policies and values to international audiences. This includes strategic media outreach, cultural exchange programs, and digital campaigns to combat disinformation, promote independent journalism, and support global digital freedoms.