Confirmation Hearing: Devout Centrist for Secretary of State (Confirmed)

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

EXECUTIVE ORDER
to make provisions for the diligent conduct of foreign affairs

Devout Centrist, of the state of Arizona, is hereby nominated to be Secretary of State


    
I. C. SESTAC PRAESES ATLASIENSIS LII

Senators have up to 72 hours to question the nominee.

[Devout Centrist]

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to President Sestak for this nomination. It is an honor and a privilege to be considered for the position of Secretary of State.

Our great nation faces a number of tough challenges abroad. Though the Second Korean War concluded over three years ago, the reputation of our Republic has yet to fully recover from the diplomatic incident that sparked the war. I am fully prepared to use my vast expertise from my tenure in the Senate to restore goodwill and positive relations abroad. I will support a foreign policy that endorses internationalism and promotes multilateralism. We will work with the global community to bring about change and curb the influence of dictatorial regimes. However, I am a firm proponent of non-intervention. I see no reason to engage our nation in foreign conflicts unless our Republic is attacked.

I submit myself to the Senate's questions.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

What will be the administration's policy towards China?

[Devout Centrist]

What will be the administration's policy towards China?

The Administration supports closer cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Atlasia where possible. Where common values intersect, we are willing to work with Mr. Jingping to promote peace and stability.

However, this Administration will not back down from defending human rights and fostering democracy. We condemn, in the strongest terms, the treatment of protestors in Hong Kong. We support the inherent right of the people of Taiwan to self-determination. We strongly condemn the cultural genocide of ethnic minorities and of the Uighur people. On these issues, this Administration will never abdicate its responsibility to protect the freedom and dignity of every human being.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

What will be the administration's policy towards China?

The Administration supports closer cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Atlasia where possible. Where common values intersect, we are willing to work with Mr. Jingping to promote peace and stability.

However, this Administration will not back down from defending human rights and fostering democracy. We condemn, in the strongest terms, the treatment of protestors in Hong Kong. We support the inherent right of the people of Taiwan to self-determination. We strongly condemn the cultural genocide of ethnic minorities and of the Uighur people. On these issues, this Administration will never abdicate its responsibility to protect the freedom and dignity of every human being.

What is the administrations opinion on the Currency Manipulation Resolution?

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Also the Hong Kong Solidarity and Safe Harbor Act?

[Devout Centrist]

What will be the administration's policy towards China?

The Administration supports closer cooperation between the People's Republic of China and Atlasia where possible. Where common values intersect, we are willing to work with Mr. Jingping to promote peace and stability.

However, this Administration will not back down from defending human rights and fostering democracy. We condemn, in the strongest terms, the treatment of protestors in Hong Kong. We support the inherent right of the people of Taiwan to self-determination. We strongly condemn the cultural genocide of ethnic minorities and of the Uighur people. On these issues, this Administration will never abdicate its responsibility to protect the freedom and dignity of every human being.

What is the administrations opinion on the Currency Manipulation Resolution?

We do not feel it is necessary to use the language of currency manipulation at this time. A broader condemnation of unfair trade practices and territorial encroachment in the South China Seas would be more appropriate.

Also the Hong Kong Solidarity and Safe Harbor Act?

This has the full support of the Administration. We appreciate any and all efforts to protect democratic activists through multilateral and peaceful means. We will do our utmost to welcome Hong Kong asylum seekers with open arms.

[Blair]

Congrats on the nomination- this is a really good appointment.

A few questions,

1.) What will be the administration's policy towards Saudi Arabia?

2.) What do you think is the biggest challenge that the coronavirus poses to Atlasia's foreign policy?

3.) Where does climate change sit within the foreign policy agenda, what new policies will the administration be introducing and how will you try and make sure it's included in more of our foreign policy?

4.) What efforts will the administration be taking to protect and support women's rights and LGBT rights across the world?

5.) More generally how active do you hope to be as Secretary of State and do you have any plans to change or improve how the office works?

[Devout Centrist]

1.) What will be the administration's policy towards Saudi Arabia?

The Administration recognizes the value of our past bilateral agreements with Saudi Arabia. However, we are unwilling to undertake further agreements or allow additional armament procurement without clear, decisive action from the Kingdom on human rights and democratic reform. Satisfying these preconditions is crucial to future cooperation.

2.) What do you think is the biggest challenge that the coronavirus poses to Atlasia's foreign policy?

I think the COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant threat to multilateral negotiations and international cooperation. Many nations lack the capacity to quickly vaccinate their own citizens against the virus. There's definitely a risk for unequal distribution of COVID-19 inoculations as they become available. This could damage our ability to negotiate relationships abroad if we do not act to reduce the disparity. I hope that the Congress will act to make spare doses of existing vaccines available for foreign aid shipments abroad as soon as possible.

3.) Where does climate change sit within the foreign policy agenda, what new policies will the administration be introducing and how will you try and make sure it's included in more of our foreign policy?

Climate change presents an existential threat to human life on this planet and as such, it is a top priority for this Administration's foreign policy. We greatly appreciate past international agreements negotiated to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but more work is needed. We believe that the most effective way to address climate change is through multilateral, reciprocal negotiations. In our diplomatic agreements, we will aim to help developing countries achieve economic  and social progress without increasing carbon emissions. We can use our technological advantage to help developing nations implement renewable energy quickly and effectively. Using multilateral and bilateral agreements, we will work to export solar and wind technologies to developing nations. This will help these countries supplant fossil fuel as their primary energy source.

Carbon emissions can also be reduced through changes to global supply chains. We will work with our allies and the international community to innovate new strategies that will reduce carbon emissions in the most intensive industries; for example, widespread implementation of low carbon techniques in the production of concrete could shrink global carbon emissions substantially. By reducing C02 emissions at this point in the supply chain, we can effectively reduce overall emissions.

Additionally, it may be more economically feasible to implement these technologies with the support of the international community. I believe we should work to create a global climate change bank, one that will allow developing nations to receive grants or ultra-low interest loans for green energy production. Every coal or gas powered facility that is replaced by renewables will bring the global community closer to net zero carbon emissions.

Finally, a new climate summit will be necessary to implement substantial and binding reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. A new international compact will increase the drop in global carbon emissions. This administration is willing to negotiate technology sharing as a part of a new climate summit and will aim to make carbon reducing technology fully available to the global community.

4.) What efforts will the administration be taking to protect and support women's rights and LGBT rights across the world?

Women's rights are human rights; Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual rights are human rights; Trans rights are human rights. This Administration will make these principles a top priority in all bilateral and multilateral agreements. In a global sense, we can promote these rights through international agreements and additional UN resolutions.

However, we recognize that these agreements do not go far enough; therefore, women's and LGBT rights will be a critical component of any agreement negotiated with our allies and our partners in the global community. Certain agreements, such as armament procurement, defense agreements, entry into NATO, and foreign aid shipments, will include important provisions on the advancement of women's rights and LGBT rights. Further aid will be directly tied to progress on these cornerstone rights. By forging political consensus, we can work to influence public perception around the world.

5.) More generally how active do you hope to be as Secretary of State and do you have any plans to change or improve how the office works?

I will take an active role in the conduct of this Administration's foreign policy. I think we can act quickly to address a wide array of foreign policy issues facing our Republic. In terms of how the office itself works, I plan to embrace more open  and frequent communication with the people of Atlasia. Foreign policy can often appear to be quite complicated; I hope to be as direct as possible in press releases and discussions with the Congress and the President.

[Left Wing]

What will be the administration’s policy on the ongoing events in Myanmar?

[Pericles]

What will the nominee do to improve Atlasia's relationship with New Zealand? It would have been cool if I'd done something about this but I didn't get around to it. I do have a lot of respect for the nominee and don't see any reason not to support confirmation.

[Devout Centrist]

What will be the administration’s policy on the ongoing events in Myanmar?

We are closely monitoring the situation in Myanmar. The blatantly undemocratic coup orchestrated by elements of the Tatmadaw is a massive setback to our bilateral relationship. We will use appropriate diplomatic channels and sanctions to advocate for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar and the release of political prisoners.

The Administration is also following the crisis in Rakhine State; we strongly condemn genocidal activities and atrocities directed towards the Rohingya community in Myanmar.

[Devout Centrist]

What will the nominee do to improve Atlasia's relationship with New Zealand? It would have been cool if I'd done something about this but I didn't get around to it. I do have a lot of respect for the nominee and don't see any reason not to support confirmation.

New Zealand is a valued ally and friend of Atlasia. I will work to negotiate additional bilateral trade agreements and partnerships with the Commonwealth. In particular, it may be possible to negotiate a bilateral free trade zone in the coming years.

[Blair]

Thank you for the comprehensive and detailed answers; I was guilty of a trigger finger and realized I'd bombarded you with questions, so I appreciate it.

[Devout Centrist]

Thank you for the comprehensive and detailed answers; I was guilty of a trigger finger and realized I'd bombarded you with questions, so I appreciate it.

You're good! I appreciate your thoughtful questions.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Thank you for the comprehensive and detailed answers; I was guilty of a trigger finger and realized I'd bombarded you with questions, so I appreciate it.

More questions are always a good thing in this business.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

I motion for a Final Vote, Senators have 24 hours to object.

[Senator-elect Spark]

I object for additional time.

I'd wish to pose these questions to the nominee:

How do the laws of war apply to a conflict?

Is it strictly limited to self-defense that Atlasia will engage in war?

What is the role of the Secretary of State in engaging other nations in diplomacy?

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

You are lucky I had to go to work.

[Devout Centrist]

I'd wish to pose these questions to the nominee:

How do the laws of war apply to a conflict?

This Administration will seek to follow rules of engagement that exceed existing international standards. In every case, we shall avoid targeting structures or facilities that house or provide shelter to noncombatants. Additionally, we will follow stringent guidelines for the treatment of enemy POWs and other combatants. This applies to non-state actors as well.

Is it strictly limited to self-defense that Atlasia will engage in war?

Yes. We are committed to peace unless the Republic or one of our NATO allies (in accordance with Article 5) is attacked by a foreign power. We will make no attempt to start an offensive war.

What is the role of the Secretary of State in engaging other nations in diplomacy?

The Secretary of State serves as the President's chief diplomat on the international stage. They are responsible for carrying out diplomatic and foreign policy related duties as instructed by the Commander in Chief. As Secretary of State, I will work to create positive and open channels of communication between the Republic of Atlasia and the International community.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Does the Senator desire further feedback or can the vote be started?

[Senator-elect Spark]

Does the Senator desire further feedback or can the vote be started?

I am satisfied. Thank you for your time on this Mr. Devout Centrist.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

A vote is now open, Senators please vote Aye, Nay or Abstain.

[Blair]

Aye

[Left Wing]

Aye