Мэдээ

By Nasanjargal Bishkhuu

On May 9, 2025, Ms. Oyunsuren Damdinsuren’s Diplomatic and Consular Relations course welcomed Mr. Moulik D. Berkana, Chief of the Public Affairs Section at the U.S. Embassy in Mongolia, for a distinguished guest lecture. With extensive experience in public diplomacy, Mr.Berkana offered students a comprehensive overview of U.S. foreign service and diplomacy in the 21st century.

Opening his lecture with a relatable statement, Mr. Berkana remarked, "You don’t need to like all things about America, but you might appreciate aspects like its movies and music. My job is to help you like America more." This approach set the tone for an engaging discussion on the nuances of public diplomacy.

During the session, Mr. Berkana provided an insightful overview of U.S. foreign policy shifts from the 1990s to the present, emphasizing key changes under each administration:

Bill Clinton set the stage for the U.S. to embrace a more interconnected global economy. Through initiatives like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and supporting China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), Clinton promoted globalization and free trade. His approach was grounded in the belief that economic integration could foster peace and prosperity, helping the U.S. solidify its leadership in the global economy.

In contrast, George W. Bush took office during a time of shifting international power balances, especially after the events of September 11, 2001. While continuing to prioritize economic relations, Bush's foreign policy was defined by his effort to strengthen ties with Russia and China, navigating the complex landscape of international relations while focusing on combating terrorism. His administration marked a shift toward a more reactive and security-focused approach to foreign policy.

Barack Obama ushered in a new era of diplomacy, emphasizing a shift from military interventions to a more multilateral and strategic approach. The “Pivot to Asia” strategy was central, aiming to strengthen U.S. presence and partnerships in the Asia-Pacific region. Obama’s use of “smart power” diplomacy, combining military strength, diplomacy, and development, as well as expanding digital diplomacy efforts, aimed to create stronger international partnerships, especially in light of rising powers like China. His policies sought to restore multilateral engagement that the U.S. had lost during Bush's tenure.

John Kerry, as Secretary of State under Obama, continued this focus on multilateral diplomacy, achieving significant international agreements such as the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal. Kerry's approach underscored the importance of cooperation with global allies to address challenges like climate change and nuclear proliferation, positioning diplomacy as central to U.S. foreign policy.

However, Donald Trump represented a sharp departure from the previous administrations. Embracing the "America First" strategy, he pulled the U.S. out of both the Paris Climate Agreement and the Iran Nuclear Deal, signaling a move toward unilateralism and a more transactional approach to international relations. Trump’s foreign policy was marked by skepticism of multilateral institutions and agreements, focusing instead on prioritizing U.S. interests above all else.

Together, these presidencies illustrate the shifting balance between global engagement and national interest, from Clinton's embrace of globalization, through Obama’s multilateralism, to Trump’s focus on unilateral action. The U.S. foreign policy journey from 1992 to 2020 encapsulates the evolving global order and America's changing role within it.

Mr. Berkana's lecture provided students with a nuanced understanding of the complexities and dynamics of modern diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.

Following the lecture, Saruul Khishigsuren, Exchange Outreach Coordinator, Public Affairs Section, U.S. Embassy, introduced various study and exchange opportunities in the United States, funded by the U.S. Department of State, such as Global UGRAD, which offers a full scholarship for university students to study one semester in the U.S.