territorial disputes. We are deepening our investment in Africa, accelerating access to energy, health, and
food security in a rapidly rising region. Our opening to Cuba will enhance our engagement in our own
hemisphere, where there are enormous opportunities to consolidate gains in pursuit of peace, prosperity,
democracy, and energy security.
Globally, we are committed to advancing the Prague Agenda, including by stopping the spread of nuclear
weapons and securing nuclear materials. We are currently testing whether it is possible to achieve a
comprehensive resolution to assure the international community that Iran’s nuclear program is peaceful,
while the Joint Plan of Action has halted the progress of Iran’s program. We are building on our own
energy security—and the ground-breaking commitment we made with China to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions—to cement an international consensus on arresting climate change. We are shaping global
standards for cybersecurity and building international capacity to disrupt and investigate cyber threats.
We are playing a leading role in dening the international community’s post-2015 agenda for eliminating
extreme poverty and promoting sustainable development while prioritizing women and youth.
Underpinning it all, we are upholding our enduring commitment to the advancement of democracy and
human rights and building new coalitions to combat corruption and to support open governments and
open societies. In doing so, we are working to support democratic transitions, while also reaching out to
the drivers of change in this century: young people and entrepreneurs.
Finally, I believe that America leads best when we draw upon our hopes rather than our fears. To succeed,
we must draw upon the power of our example—that means viewing our commitment to our values and
the rule of law as a strength, and not an inconvenience. That is why I have worked to ensure that America
has the capabilities we need to respond to threats abroad, while acting in line with our values—prohibiting
the use of torture; embracing constraints on our use of new technologies like drones; and upholding our
commitment to privacy and civil liberties. These actions are a part of our resilience at home and a source
of our inuence abroad.
On all these fronts, America leads from a position of strength. But, this does not mean we can or should
attempt to dictate the trajectory of all unfolding events around the world. As powerful as we are and
will remain, our resources and inuence are not innite. And in a complex world, many of the security
problems we face do not lend themselves to quick and easy xes. The United States will always defend
our interests and uphold our commitments to allies and partners. But, we have to make hard choices
among many competing priorities, and we must always resist the over-reach that comes when we make
decisions based upon fear. Moreover, we must recognize that a smart national security strategy does not
rely solely on military power. Indeed, in the long-term, our efforts to work with other countries to counter
the ideology and root causes of violent extremism will be more important than our capacity to remove
terrorists from the battleeld.
The challenges we face require strategic patience and persistence. They require us to take our
responsibilities seriously and make the smart investments in the foundations of our national power.
Therefore, I will continue to pursue a comprehensive agenda that draws on all elements of our national
strength, that is attuned to the strategic risks and opportunities we face, and that is guided by the
principles and priorities set out in this strategy. Moreover, I will continue to insist on budgets that
safeguard our strength and work with the Congress to end sequestration, which undercuts our national
security.
This is an ambitious agenda, and not everything will be completed during my Presidency. But I believe
this is an achievable agenda, especially if we proceed with condence and if we restore the bipartisan
center that has been a pillar of strength for American foreign policy in decades past. As Americans,
we will always have our differences, but what unites us is the national consensus that American global
leadership remains indispensable. We embrace our exceptional role and responsibilities at a time when
our unique contributions and capabilities are needed most, and when the choices we make today can mean
greater security and prosperity for our Nation for decades to come.