Former U.S. Secretary of State and Democratic Party nominee for president Hillary Clinton addressed an audience of approximately 200 Pennsylvania voters on Sunday morning, focusing on critical aspects of foreign policy.
Clinton’s talk, which included a Q&A session, tackled a wide array of issues including defense spending, foreign aid, trade, and U.S. relations with China and Taiwan.
One participant posed a question about whether the U.S. should prioritize its own problems over assisting other nations through diplomacy and aid.
Clinton responded by highlighting the importance of global engagement, using the efforts of agencies like USAID to illustrate her point. She noted that U.S. foreign assistance makes up less than 2% of the federal budget.
Keeping diseases out of the U.S. through global efforts is not just a moral obligation but also a protective measure, she argued, stating, “If you keep diseases out of your country, that’s good for us.”
During the event, she emphasized the concept of ‘soft’ or ‘smart power’—which combines diplomatic initiatives and development aid—as integral to U.S. interests while engaging globally.
In response to another question about balancing military spending with diplomatic investments, Clinton asserted, “We need both.”
She explained that a robust military serves as a deterrent against adversaries.
According to Clinton, sending a strong message to potential aggressors is vital: “You have to send a strong message to your adversaries that they better not mess with you because the consequences will be greater to them.”
However, she cautioned that military might alone is not sufficient; diplomacy must be integrated before, during, and after conflicts to achieve lasting resolutions.
Clinton’s extensive experience in foreign affairs is noteworthy. She served as Secretary of State for four years under President Barack Obama and previously represented New York as a U.S. senator on the Foreign Relations Committee.
More recently, the Clintons have led the Clinton Foundation, concentrating on global health, economic opportunity, and climate change, with projects extending into Pennsylvania, such as a local early literacy initiative.
Critics have raised concerns about the foundation’s acceptance of funding from foreign states, specifically during her 2016 presidential campaign, when contributions from Saudi Arabia were scrutinized.
Her foreign policy views align with liberal internationalism, characterized by a combination of assertive diplomacy and strategic interventions.
During her remarks, she stressed the necessity of American leadership in world affairs. Clinton advocates for sustained global engagement, emphasizing coalition building and a strong defense to promote democratic values and maintain international order.
Her tenure as Secretary of State championed the “smart power” model, effectively melding hard and soft power strategies, including military action, economic sanctions, and developmental support.
Clinton’s support for U.S. intervention in Libya, endorsement of a troop surge in Afghanistan, and assertive stance on Russia reflect her assertive foreign policy approach.
Simultaneously, she has credited diplomatic efforts, such as the “reset” with Moscow and the Asia-Pacific “pivot,” as essential components of her tenure.
“Sometimes in politics or public policy, you got to do business with people you don’t like,” Clinton remarked, indicating the complexity of international relations, where collaboration with adversaries might be necessary for national interests.
These perspectives on foreign policy, particularly her embrace of realpolitik, may have been influenced by her interactions with Henry Kissinger, who served as Secretary of State under President Richard Nixon and has had a controversial legacy.
During the forum, Clinton referenced her and her husband’s experiences, discussing significant diplomatic achievements. She highlighted the role that her husband, President Bill Clinton, played in resolving the Northern Ireland conflict, attributing it entirely to diplomacy, while also acknowledging military intervention was necessary in the Balkans to end the war with Serbia.
Although Clinton did not mention President Donald Trump by name, she criticized current foreign policy directions, subtly referencing her predecessor’s tariffs and other policies.
Answering a question about the U.S.’s status as a superpower, Clinton stated, “I think we still are, but I’m not sure we will remain because we are giving away our power in ways that I think are very damaging to our leadership position in the world.”
She expressed her belief that maintaining U.S. leadership on the global stage is crucial for international stability.
Clinton argued that relinquishing this leadership could lead to a power vacuum filled by adversarial actors and criminal organizations, including cybercriminals, further complicating global dynamics.
“I personally believe it is in America’s best interest to remain the leader of the world and to assume the responsibilities of leadership,” she stated.
Concluding her comments, Clinton warned that without a proactive international approach, the U.S. may lose its superpower status or find itself ceding influence to less benign forces.
This forum took place as part of America in One Room, a deliberative polling event in Center City, where participants engaged in discussions on various political issues over three days, culminating in questions on foreign policy. Participants were unaware that Clinton would be the concluding speaker until the morning of the event.
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