These are the challenges that now occupy the agenda of our posts overseas and that require the skill, training and talent characteristic of modern diplomats. In each of these areas, no longer can diplomats see their function primarily as interaction with government counterparts. Our representatives need to interact on a daily basis with the civil society in which they serve. Our own politics is based on a pluralist system of democracy in which representatives and interest groups interact on a continuing basis and groups in the civil society are as much a part of the political process as elected and appointed officials. As democracy spreads around the world, that is increasingly true in other countries as well and this phenomenon increases the challenges and enhances the opportunities for our representatives.
Commercial diplomacy is another example of change and opportunity.
Not long ago, there was lively debate about whether it was appropriate for U.S. representatives to advocate American business interests abroad. That debate had been put to rest - no one doubts the importance anymore of commercial advocacy in support of U.S. interests. Indeed, some of our allies and trading partners were effective advocates for their own products and services long before we were very good at it. But we have overcome that lag and today our representatives around the world need to be aggressive advocates of U.S. investment and U.S. products and services as a part of the competitive framework which defines markets around the world. Across the agenda, it has become all the more important that we have the right personnel with the right skill, the right training and the right support representing the United States overseas.