Clinton Gives Non-Proliferation Speech
Oct 22, 2009

In a major speech yesterday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke forcefully about the need to reduce nuclear weapons and to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. “We can’t afford to continue relying on recycled Cold War thinking,” Clinton stated. “And the nuclear status quo is neither desirable nor sustainable.”

Clinton reiterated President Obama’s pledge to negotiate a treaty reducing U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and secure nuclear materials that terrorists could use to make a nuclear bomb, while confronting countries like Iran and North Korea that wish to develop their own nuclear arsenals.

As Clinton put it, “Pursuing these goals is not an act of starry-eyed idealism or blind allegiance to principle. It is about taking responsibility to prevent the use of the world’s most dangerous weapons, and holding others accountable as well.”

Take the Nuclear Option Off the Table
Jan 19, 2009

On January 13 and 14, Hillary Rodham Clinton testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the confirmation process for her nomination to be Secretary of State. She was approved by the committee 16 -1 and is sure to win confirmation in the Senate.

While the office has undergone many changes since it was established in 1789, for several generations the State Department has concentrated on diplomacy in all aspects of foreign-policy. However, in her testimony before the committee, Clinton said she would use “smart power” including “diplomatic, economic, military, political, legal and cultural.” To some, the inclusion of “military power” as though it were within her authority, was a surprise. Further, she went on to specify that “military force will sometimes be necessary, and we will rely on it to protect our people and our interests when and where needed as a last resort.”