History has shown that diplomacy is one of the best ways to protect the
United States and the American people. The State Department uses
diplomacy with other nations to successfully deal with many challenges
that cross national boundaries and affect us here in the United States,
including: -Terrorism; -The threat of weapons of mass destruction;
-HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases; -Illegal drug trafficking and
crime; -Humanitarian needs of migrants and refugees; and -Environmental
degradation. Americans at home and abroad face threats to their physical
and economic well-being. The State Department protects our nation, its
people, and our prosperity. Understanding the Department of State looks
at the main current issues it faces around the globe from relations with
Russia and China to the civil war in Iraq and the growing threat from
the Islamic State and other terrorist groups. The book also has brief
biographies of all the Secretaries of State from Thomas Jefferson, the
first to hold the position in 1790, to John Kerry, the current
incumbent. The book also contains: -A detailed history of the role of
the State Department over the last 250 years and how it shaped both the
United States and the rest of the world. -A list and bios of all U.S.
Secretaries of State -A list of the major global issues which are the
State Department's current focus of attention. About the Series: The
Cabinet Series looks at the major departments in the Federal Government
explaining why they were created and the responsibilities of each agency
and how they conduct their daily business at home and abroad. It helps
to explain what federal agencies do and how they affect the lives of
citizens.
