Hillary Forges Diplomatic Revolution

By Mat Probasco, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 23, 2009 5:22 AM CDT

(Newser) – Hillary Clinton isn't answering the White House crisis calls predicted in her famous campaign commercials. But as secretary of state, she's "quietly begun rethinking the very nature of diplomacy and translating that vision into a revitalized State Department, one that approaches US allies and rivals in ways that challenge long-held traditions," writes David Rothkopf in the Washington Post. Obsessed with sexist concerns about her mood and clothes, observers are "missing the forest for the pantsuits," he notes.

Clinton is "overseeing what may be the most profound changes in US foreign policy in two decades," Rothkopf writes. As the US recognizes the "indispensability of collaborating with others," Clinton is shifting focus from the G8 to forging alliances with emerging global powers including China, India, Turkey and Brazil through a kind of worldwide "community organizing," notes Rothkopf. It's a goal Clinton shares with her boss, leaving the "State-Pentagon relationship in its best shape in decades," he adds.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (1)]

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton takes a seat as she waits next to the President's desk during a meeting between President Barack Obama and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton is affecting profound changes in diplomacy with a keen emphasis on forging stronger alliances with emerging powers, writes David Rothkopf. (AP Photo/Lawrence Jackson)

Hillary Clinton speaks to the press earlier this week in Washington. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)

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"Obama and Clinton have both made engaging with emerging powers a priority." - Columnist David Rothkopf

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

freethemall

Aug 24, 2009 7:24 AM CDT

The media's frivolous coverage of Hillary Clinton, is systematic of how the modern press fails to perform its function as, supposedly, the 4th branch of our democracy. No wonder the nation and world is going to hell in a hand basket.

Snarfeh

Aug 24, 2009 4:40 AM CDT

@renman - Ever since Bush put us in a position of having to constantly apologize for our country's idiocy during his reign. Sucks, doesn't it? Yes, it does. It is highly embarrassing what we have to do to gain favor in the world again after Bush raped our country six ways to Sunday.

MarkFL

Aug 23, 2009 12:41 PM CDT

She is great! Any critic that she has will focus on her quirks, clothes, and husband. She is not perfect but she definitely is a great politician, a strong advocate, and a good democrat, as democrats go. I wish she was president.

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