Three Ds of foreign policy
The three Ds of foreign policy (also sometimes called a 3D approach,[1] the 3Ds of U.S. national security,[2] the 3Ds of national security strategy,[3] or the 3D model[4]) is a concept in United States foreign policy strategy. The three Ds are defense, diplomacy, and development. The idea is that all three of these areas are about equally important.[5] Defense is often handled by the Department of Defense, diplomacy is handled by the Department of State, and development is handled by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).[2]
Origin
[edit]An article in Foreign Policy speculates that the concept was inspired by a George W. Bush speech in 2001 at the World Bank, where Bush argued that the United States should have three goals: keep the peace, economic growth, and partnerships with developing countries.[5] The 2002 National Security Strategy document, and the statements of a USAID official, are also mentioned as possible origins.[5]
The 3Ds are used in the 2010 National Security Strategy document and the 2011 foreign aid budget.[1]
The three Ds
[edit]Defense involves maintaining a powerful military, both for warfare and deterrence.[1][3] Warfare is risky and controversial, and is typically an option of last resort, and can occur when diplomacy becomes tense and development aid is ineffective or rejected.[4] There are international laws and treaties governing warfare.[4] A lot of diplomacy occurs during a war, typically behind the scenes.[4] If avoiding conflict is a priority, a country may choose to prioritize diplomacy and development over defense.[2] In terms of spending, the United States tends to prioritize defense over diplomacy and development.[1][3] Focusing on defense can bolster national security.[3]
Diplomacy involves building partnerships and engaging with other countries.[1] This includes bilateral diplomacy and negotiations.[4] Topics of discussion in diplomacy can include public health emergencies, United Nations votes, trade deals, and other topics.[4] There is often coordination between the foreign ministry and the ambassador via demarches.[4] Diplomacy involves resolving conflicts and fulfilling requests from allies.[3] Focusing on diplomacy can bolster stability.[3] Diplomacy is very safe for diplomats compared to development and defense; diplomacy typically takes place in capital cities and embassies, whereas development may take place in poverty-stricken areas, and defense may involve dangerous warfare.[4]
Development (foreign aid) involves spending on things that build better lives for the citizens of a country.[1] Areas for foreign aid are identified during the course of diplomacy, and not all countries may need foreign aid.[4] Some side effects of foreign aid are that it reduces global poverty[3] and it expands the aid provider's influence over the host nation.[4] A positive side effect is that this may create new economic opportunities for American trade.[3] Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton argued that there is a link between terrorism and young people with no jobs, and that development can address this.[3] Focusing on development can bolster stability.[3] There is opportunity for very large amounts of development after a war.[4] Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis one stated that not fully funding USAID would result in needing to buy more ammunition, suggesting a strong link between development and defense.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f Syed, Nafees Asiya (September 17, 2010). "The 3 D's of Foreign Affairs". Harvard Political Review. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Sidebar on The 3Ds - Diplomacy, Development, and Defense". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "The 3 D's of National Security Strategy". Borgen Magazine. August 8, 2013. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "The 3Ds of Foreign Policy". ESCP International Politics Society. November 24, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2025.
- ^ a b c Zelikow, Philip (April 16, 2025). "Where did the "three D's" come from, really?". Foreign Policy. Retrieved April 11, 2025.