Clinton at the Council on Foreign Relations

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton spoke today at the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, DC. She emphasized the centrality of the United States and the importance of cooperation. Even though no country can solve global challenges alone, “no challenge can be met without America.” Working with the world’s rising powers – including China, India, Russia, Brazil, Turkey, Indonesia, and South Africa – is essential as “these states are vital to achieving solutions to the shared problems and advancing our priorities.”

“Now, some see the rise of other nations and our economic troubles here at home as signs that American power has waned. Others simply don’t trust us to lead; they view America as an unaccountable power, too quick to impose its will at the expense of their interests and our principles. But they are wrong…

“America will always be a world leader as long as we remain true to our ideals and embrace strategies that match the times…

“Our approach to foreign policy must reflect the world as it is, not as it used to be. It does not make sense to adapt a 19th century concert of powers, or a 20th century balance of power strategy. We cannot go back to Cold War containment or to unilateralism…

“In short, we will lead by inducing greater cooperation among a greater number of actors and reducing competition, tilting the balance away from a multi-polar world and toward a multi-partner world…

“We will also put special emphasis on encouraging major and emerging global powers – China, India, Russia and Brazil, as well as Turkey, Indonesia, and South Africa – to be full partners in tackling the global agenda. I want to underscore the importance of this task, and my personal commitment to it. These states are vital to achieving solutions to the shared problems and advancing our priorities – nonproliferation, counterterrorism, economic growth, climate change, among others. With these states, we will stand firm on our principles even as we seek common ground.”

For more, check out coverage in the FPA’s Africa Blog.

Photo from AFP/Karen Bleier and clip from MSNBC.