Hard Choices

1. America's Reset with Russia: Balancing Cooperation and Confrontation

"We were conducting a third surge, a diplomatic one, aimed at moving the conflict toward a political outcome that would shatter the alliance between the Taliban and al Qaeda, end the insurgency, and help produce a more stable Afghanistan and a more stable region."

Pragmatic engagement. The "reset" with Russia aimed to find areas of cooperation while standing firm on disagreements. This approach led to successes such as the New START treaty, sanctions on Iran, and cooperation on Afghanistan. However, it also faced challenges, particularly with Putin's return to the presidency and increasing authoritarianism.

Managing Putin. Clinton's interactions with Putin revealed his complex personality and motivations. She recognized his desire to restore Russian power and influence, which often conflicted with U.S. interests. The relationship required careful diplomacy, balancing cooperation on shared interests with pushback on issues like human rights and regional aggression.

2. The Pivot to Asia: Strengthening Alliances and Managing China's Rise

"I still believed it was in America's long-term national interest to have a constructive working relationship with Russia, if possible. But we had to be realistic about Putin's intentions and the danger he represented to his neighbors and the global order, and design our policy accordingly."

Strategic rebalancing. The "pivot to Asia" aimed to refocus U.S. attention and resources on the Asia-Pacific region, recognizing its growing economic and strategic importance. This involved strengthening alliances with Japan, South Korea, and other partners, while engaging China on areas of mutual interest.

China challenge. Managing the rise of China was a central focus, requiring a nuanced approach that Clinton called "smart power." This involved:

• Engaging China on global challenges like climate change and nuclear proliferation
• Pushing back on unfair trade practices and human rights violations
• Reassuring allies of U.S. commitment to regional security
• Promoting American economic interests in the fastest-growing region

3. Navigating the Arab Spring: Promoting Democracy and Stability

"The death of bin Laden, and the loss of so many of his top lieutenants, would certainly degrade the capacity of al Qaeda's core in Afghanistan and Pakistan to stage new attacks against the West. At the same time, however, this would shift influence and momentum to the affiliates, creating a more diffuse and complex threat."

Balancing ideals and interests. The Arab Spring presented a complex challenge, requiring the U.S. to balance support for democratic movements with concerns about regional stability. Clinton advocated for a case-by-case approach, recognizing the unique circumstances in each country.

Mixed outcomes. The U.S. response varied across the region:

• Supporting peaceful transitions in Tunisia and Egypt
• Military intervention in Libya to prevent mass atrocities
• Cautious engagement in Syria, balancing humanitarian concerns with fears of escalation
• Navigating the complexities of longstanding allies like Bahrain and Yemen

4. Combating Terrorism: From Bin Laden to ISIS

"I also thought we should be doing more to seize the greatest opportunities, especially in the Asia-Pacific."

Evolving threat. The fight against terrorism remained a top priority, but the nature of the threat evolved during Clinton's tenure. The death of Osama bin Laden was a significant victory, but it also led to a more decentralized threat from al-Qaeda affiliates and eventually the rise of ISIS.

Comprehensive approach. Clinton advocated for a multifaceted strategy:

• Military action against high-value targets
• Improved intelligence sharing with allies
• Countering violent extremism through development and education
• Addressing root causes of radicalization
• Strengthening homeland security measures

5. Economic Statecraft: Using Trade and Development as Diplomatic Tools

"I wanted to expand our partnership with the EU, especially on energy and economics."

Economic power as influence. Clinton emphasized the importance of economic tools in achieving foreign policy goals. This "economic statecraft" involved:

• Promoting U.S. businesses abroad
• Negotiating trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership
• Using sanctions as leverage against adversaries like Iran and North Korea
• Investing in development to create stable partners and new markets

Global economic challenges. The administration faced ongoing fallout from the 2008 financial crisis, requiring close coordination with allies to stabilize the global economy and prevent future crises.

6. Women's Rights as Human Rights: A Global Priority

"Despite this progress, Afghan women faced constant threats to their security and status, and not just from the resurgent Taliban."

Personal mission. Clinton made women's rights a cornerstone of her diplomacy, building on her decades of advocacy. She argued that empowering women was not just a moral imperative but essential for global security and economic development.

Policy initiatives. Key efforts included:

• Appointing the first Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues
• Launching the U.S. National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security
• Focusing development aid on women's health, education, and economic empowerment
• Combating gender-based violence and human trafficking

7. The Power of Smart Power: Integrating Diplomacy, Development, and Defense

"I wanted to redefine the role of Secretary, outlined positions on our most pressing challenges, and answered questions on everything from Arctic policy to international economics to energy supplies."

Comprehensive strategy. Clinton championed the concept of "smart power," integrating all tools of American influence:

• Traditional diplomacy
• Development aid
• Military strength
• Economic leverage
• Cultural and educational exchanges
• Technological innovation

Institutional reform. Implementing this approach required reforming the State Department and USAID, increasing resources for civilian power, and improving interagency coordination.

8. Climate Change: A Foreign Policy Imperative

"We needed a new strategy in Afghanistan and Pakistan and a new approach to counterterrorism around the world, one that used the full range of American power to attack terrorist networks' finances, recruitment, and safe havens, as well as operatives and commanders."

Global challenge. Clinton elevated climate change as a key foreign policy issue, recognizing its potential to exacerbate conflicts, displace populations, and threaten global stability.

Diplomatic efforts. Key initiatives included:

• Negotiating the Copenhagen Accord in 2009
• Launching the Climate and Clean Air Coalition
• Promoting clean energy investments and technology transfers
• Engaging major emitters like China and India in bilateral climate agreements

9. Rebuilding America's Global Leadership and Credibility

"I thought NATO remained essential for meeting the evolving threats of the 21st century."

Repairing relationships. A major focus was rebuilding America's standing in the world after the Iraq War and financial crisis. This involved:

• Recommitting to key alliances and multilateral institutions
• Emphasizing cooperation and shared interests
• Demonstrating American values through actions, not just words

Global engagement. Clinton traveled extensively, becoming the most-traveled Secretary of State in history. This personal diplomacy aimed to reassure allies, engage adversaries, and project American leadership on a global stage.

Last updated: January 22, 2025