What were Hillary Clinton's positive achievements as Secretary of State?
During her tenure as the 67th Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, Hillary Clinton achieved several notable accomplishments that positively impacted U.S. foreign policy and global relations. Here are some of her key achievements:
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Restoring America's Global Standing: Clinton played a crucial role in restoring America's standing in the world and strengthening its global leadership. She traveled to more than 112 countries, engaging in extensive diplomatic efforts to rebuild alliances and enhance U.S. influence35.
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"Smart Power" Foreign Policy: Clinton introduced a "smart power" approach to foreign policy, which emphasized the use of diplomacy, development, and technology to advance U.S. interests. This approach involved partnering with the private sector and civil society to address global challenges35.
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Human Rights Advocacy: Clinton was a strong advocate for human rights, particularly for women and girls. She championed the cause of women's empowerment globally, recognizing its importance for national security and prosperity35.
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LGBT Rights: As Secretary of State, Clinton made LGBT rights a focus of U.S. foreign policy. She supported the first-ever U.N. Human Rights Council resolution on LGBT rights and declared that "gay rights are human rights"1.
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Negotiating Ceasefires: Clinton successfully negotiated a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in 2012, which significantly reduced violence in the region15.
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Sanctions on Iran and North Korea: Clinton was instrumental in imposing sanctions on Iran and North Korea, laying the groundwork for future diplomatic efforts, including the Iran nuclear deal35.
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Engagement with Burma: Clinton made a historic visit to Burma, marking the first official visit by a U.S. Secretary of State in over 50 years. This visit signaled a shift in U.S. policy towards engagement with the country3.