Fight for fauna: Recognizing the proliferation of wildlife crime on Endangered Species Day

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The State Department delegation boarded these swamp buggies to explore the natural wonder that is Big Cypress Natural Preserve.

Today marks the 10th Annual Endangered Species Day in the United States. Various events taking place at zoos, aquariums, schools and protected areas across the country will recognize our national conservation efforts to protect America’s endangered species and their habitats. While the awareness events are domestic in nature, they also serve as worthwhile opportunities to bring attention to the heart-wrenching wildlife poaching and trafficking epidemic that is truly a global battle. Last year, over 1,200 rhinos were poached in South Africa alone. The western black rhino was declared extinct in 2013 and there is only one remaining male African white rhino. This estimated $20-billion-a-year market encompasses much more than rhinos and extends well beyond South Africa. According to a recent Washington Post article, there are less than 3,200 tigers in the wild; while over 100 million sharks are killed annually (shark fins are a delicacy used in soup throughout Asia).

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Foreign Policy Matters: How Diplomacy Impacts Americans

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Deputy Assistant Secretary of State David Duckenfield launches the Foreign Policy Matters initiative along with Dr. Carla Freeman and me.

“Foreign Policy” – the term itself sounds like an intangible, rigid set of rules and regulations by which governments, ambassadors, and other high-level officials abide. Distant and far removed from everyday life, and sometimes, foreign policy can seem to be just that – especially with the closed door discussions that characterize much of the field. At best, the public only sees these high-level diplomatic meetings, summits, and conferences in the media; at worst, they see cocktail receptions and junkets. Regardless, they very rarely feel as if they participate directly. The fact is nothing could be further from the truth....

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Freedom of Expression Key to U.S.-France Counterterrorism

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Political debate is a critical part of French culture.

As in the United States, journalists and independent media play a critical role in French society. Dating back to the establishment of “fourth estate” the French have protected their right to investigate, critique, and lampoon those who hold positions of power. During a recent dinner with French journalists in Washington on the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), I was reminded of our shared values and challenges. My discussion with French journalists Vincent Jarnigon and Violette Lazard underscored a fundamental challenge binds us together. Both nations have nurtured the notion of freedom of expression and tolerance....

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Honduras Mural Exchange: La Colonia 21 de Febrero, Tegucigalpa

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Artist Michelle Angela Ortiz, her assistants, and community volunteers from la Colonia 21 de Febrero in front of their mural.

I’m honored to represent the United States for the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ (ECA) Community Engagement through the Mural Arts exchange. During the first part (March 16-27), I worked with community members from a neighborhood called La Colonia 21 de Febrero. I’m heading back to Tegucigalpa, Honduras, today to continue my program. For the second half of my exchange, I’ll be working with the community of La Colonia Estados Unidos. Here’s a recap of Part 1:

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Global Leader Feature: George P. Shultz

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Adm. Robert F. Willard, Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, speaks with former Secretary of State George Shultz at the World Affairs Council Sept. 14, 2011 (Photo by Michael Mustacchi).

“Terrorism is a contagious disease that will, inevitably spread if it goes untreated.” – George P. Shultz

Last week before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Former Secretary of State George Shultz joined other former Secretaries of State Henry Kissinger and Madeleine Albright in outlining the challenges facing U.S. national security policy. His testimony highlights the kind of strategic thinking and cogent argumentation that make Secretary Shultz such an effective leader.
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