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Bureaus and Offices Reporting Directly to the Secretary

Policy Planning Staff

Our Mission

Created in 1947 by George Kennan at the request of Secretary of State George C. Marshall, the Policy Planning Staff (S/P) serves as a source of independent policy analysis and advice for the Secretary of State. The Policy Planning Staff''s mission is to take a longer term, strategic view of global trends and frame recommendations for the Secretary of State to advance U.S. interests and American values.

Dr. Peter Berkowitz, Director of the State Department’s Policy Planning Staff

Director

Dr. Peter Berkowitz

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future