The three Ds of foreign policy (also sometimes called a 3D approach, [1] the 3Ds of U.S. national security, [2] the 3Ds of national security strategy, [3] or the 3D model [4] ) is a concept in United States foreign policy strategy. The three Ds are defense, diplomacy, and development. The idea is that all three of these areas are about equally important. [5] Defense is often handled by the Department of Defense, diplomacy is handled by the Department of State, and development is handled by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). [2]
An article in Foreign Policy speculates that the concept was inspired by a George W. Bush speech in 2001 at the World Bank, where Bush argued that the United States should have three goals: keep the peace, economic growth, and partnerships with developing countries. [5] The 2002 National Security Strategy document, and the statements of a USAID official, are also mentioned as possible origins. [5]
The 3Ds are used in the 2010 National Security Strategy document and the 2011 foreign aid budget. [1]
Defense involves maintaining a powerful military, both for warfare and deterrence. [1] [3] Warfare is risky and controversial, and is typically an option of last resort, and can occur when diplomacy becomes tense and development aid is ineffective or rejected. [4] There are international laws and treaties governing warfare. [4] A lot of diplomacy occurs during a war, typically behind the scenes. [4] If avoiding conflict is a priority, a country may choose to prioritize diplomacy and development over defense. [2] In terms of spending, the United States tends to prioritize defense over diplomacy and development. [1] [3] Focusing on defense can bolster national security. [3]
Diplomacy involves building partnerships and engaging with other countries. [1] This includes bilateral diplomacy and negotiations. [4] Topics of discussion in diplomacy can include public health emergencies, United Nations votes, trade deals, and other topics. [4] There is often coordination between the foreign ministry and the ambassador via demarches. [4] Diplomacy involves resolving conflicts and fulfilling requests from allies. [3] Focusing on diplomacy can bolster stability. [3] Diplomacy is very safe for diplomats compared to development and defense; diplomacy typically takes place in capital cities and embassies, whereas development may take place in poverty-stricken areas, and defense may involve dangerous warfare. [4]
Development (foreign aid) involves spending on things that build better lives for the citizens of a country. [1] Areas for foreign aid are identified during the course of diplomacy, and not all countries may need foreign aid. [4] Some side effects of foreign aid are that it reduces global poverty [3] and it expands the aid provider's influence over the host nation. [4] A positive side effect is that this may create new economic opportunities for American trade. [3] Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton argued that there is a link between terrorism and young people with no jobs, and that development can address this. [3] Focusing on development can bolster stability. [3] There is opportunity for very large amounts of development after a war. [4] Former Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis one stated that not fully funding USAID would result in needing to buy more ammunition, suggesting a strong link between development and defense. [4]