United States Under Secretary of State facts for kids
The Under Secretary of State is a very important job in the United States Department of State. Think of the Department of State as the part of the U.S. government that handles how America talks to other countries. The Under Secretaries are senior officials who help the United States Secretary of State (the main boss) manage different areas of this work. They are ranked higher than Assistant Secretaries but just below the Deputy Secretary.
For a long time, from 1919 to 1972, the Under Secretary was the second most important person in the Department of State. They were like the Secretary's main helper and would even act as the Secretary when the Secretary was away. Before 1944, many offices reported directly to the Under Secretary. However, in 1972, a new position called the Deputy Secretary was created, and that job became the second most important.
Today, there are several Under Secretaries, each in charge of a different key area. These roles help the Secretary of State manage the many ways the U.S. interacts with the rest of the world.
- Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs: This person helps with how the U.S. government deals with other countries on political matters.
- Under Secretary of State for Management: This role is about making sure the Department of State runs smoothly, handling things like budgets and staff.
- Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment: This Under Secretary works on topics like trade, energy, and protecting our planet with other nations.
- Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs: This person focuses on keeping the world safe by working on agreements about weapons and global security.
- Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs: This role is about sharing America's story and values with people around the world and managing public relations.
- Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights: This Under Secretary works to protect people, support democracy, and promote human rights globally.
Besides these six Under Secretaries, there's also the Counselor of the Department. This person gives advice to the Secretary of State and has the same high rank as an Under Secretary.
Current Under Secretaries of State
Here are the people currently serving as Under Secretaries of State:
| Under Secretaries of State | ||
|---|---|---|
| Office | Incumbent | Term began |
 Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs |
 |
May 3, 2021 |
Under Secretary of State for Management |
 |
December 29, 2021 |
Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment |
 |
August 6, 2021 |
Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security |
 |
July 22, 2021 |
Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights |
 |
July 14, 2021 |
Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs |
 |
April 4, 2022 |
See also
- List of undersecretary positions
- Undersecretary
