Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs

United States
Under Secretary of State
for Democracy and Global Affairs
Incumbent
Maria Otero

since 2012
Inaugural holder Tim Wirth
Formation 1994
Website Official Website

The Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs is a former position within the United States Department of State that, according to the Department website, "coordinates U.S. foreign relations on a variety of global issues, including democracy, human rights, and labor; environment, oceans, and science; population, refugees, and migration; women's issues; and trafficking in persons." The office was last held by Maria Otero.[1] Other former Under Secretaries were Timothy Wirth, Frank E. Loy,[2] and Paula Dobriansky.

The State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 states the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs had the responsibility to coordinate with the Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs and other offices from regional bureaus to promote democracy in nondemocratic countries. The Under Secretary also advises the Secretary of the Department of State of the effects on human rights and democracy on a foreign country on any recommendation requested by another official, or any agency program.[3] The position was created when Section 161(b) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for Fiscal Years 1994 and 1995 authorized the appointment of a fifth Under Secretary of State.[2]

Change

On January 17, 2012, the Office of the Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs (State Department designation G) became the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (State Department designation J).


List of Under Secretaries of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, 1994—2012

Name Assumed Office Left Office President served under
Tim Wirth May 12, 1994[4] December 23, 1997 Bill Clinton
Frank E. Loy October 26, 1998 January 20, 2001 Bill Clinton
Paula Dobriansky May 1, 2001 January 20, 2009 George W. Bush
Maria Otero August 10, 2009 February 4, 2013 Barack Obama

References

  1. "Under Secretary for Democracy and Global Affairs". Retrieved September 30, 2009.
  2. 1 2 "Under Secretaries of State for Global Affairs". Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  3. "Search Results - Thomas (Library of Congress)". Retrieved September 22, 2007.
  4. Wirth was appointed as Counselor on April 22, 1993.
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