International Legal Public Diplomacy

• Author: John B. Bellinger III
• Position: Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State of the United States
• Pages: 205-214

XII

Luncheon Address

International Legal Public Diplomacy

John B. Bellinger III *

Fromthe beginning ofthis Administration, Secretary Rice has made very clear

to me that, in addition to providing first-rate legal advice to the State Depart-

ment's officials, she expects the Office of the Legal Adviser to play akey role in our

public diplomacy dialogue. Secretary Rice is aware that the historic commitment of

the United States to international law and the rule of law has been questioned after

September 11th, and she has personally and repeatedly reaffirmed our respect for

and adherence to the rule oflaw, and our strong commitment to meeting our inter-

national legal obligations. "The United States," she has said, "has been and will

continue to be the world's strongest voice for the development and defense of in-

ternational legal norms." She said that we respect our international legal obliga-

tions and international law and we will continue to do so. And, apropos for today's

discussion, she added this: "We're going to continue to make that very clear to the

world."

Secretary Rice has asked me to ensure that Iand my staff play alead role in this

effort, as we work to garner support around the world for US positions. Ihave

therefore made it one of my top priorities as Legal Adviser to ensure that we effec-

tively communicate our message to the rest of the world so that the international

community understands our commitment to international law and the rule oflaw,

Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State of the United States.