Where is American foreign policy heading in President Barack Obama’s second term? To hear Hillary Clinton tell it, Washington will be investing heavily in “21st century statecraft,” foreign aid, weapons control and climate change, among other priorities.

The contrast with Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s unambitious approach to these files couldn’t be more striking.

The U.S. intends to “widen the aperture” of its dealings with the world, Clinton told the Council on Foreign Relations as she prepared to hand the State Department over to John Kerry. That means relying on “smart power,” not just firepower, to reinforce Washington’s “ability to convene” others to act, and to exert moral suasion.

It’s a thoughtful, forward-looking approach, if not a flashy one. But Clinton isn’t known for a signature “Clinton doctrine,” or major achievements. As Kerry steps in, his problem files include Syria, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan and the Mideast impasse.

Still, America’s image has improved, and Clinton’s relentless globetrotting has helped revitalize U.S. diplomacy and strengthen alliances. Osama bin Laden has been hunted down, U.S. troops have quit Iraq and an Afghan exit is in sight. Clinton has earned respect and she understands how nations project influence.

Of course the U.S. economy and military will remain major calling cards. But Washington is updating its game in other ways.

Modern statecraft. The U.S. is investing in what Clinton calls “21st century statecraft,” and others call “digital diplomacy.” The State Department is beefing up its reach and its ability to get America’s message across via new media, to scour the Internet for intelligence and to harness social media to counter propaganda from Al Qaeda and other foes. It’s a whole new culture of diplomacy.

Non-proliferation. The U.S. is also readying a new push not only to curb the American and Russian Cold War nuclear arsenals but also to strengthen the international campaign to thwart Iran, North Korea and terrorists from acquiring weapons.

Development. The U.S. will help countries in Africa and elsewhere to grow their economies by stepping up “traditional assistance,” partnerships, trade, investment and other measures. It’s an economic investment and a hedge against instability and extremism.

Energy and climate change. U.S. “energy diplomacy” will ramp up to address “one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Clinton says. Washington will try to shape a global consensus to curb carbon emissions and to better manage the world’s supplies.

How effective all this will be is open to debate. But Kerry is a passionate advocate of political engagement, disarmament, green policies and foreign aid. If anyone can energize these files he can.

Sadly, the same can’t be said for the Harper government’s diplomacy-averse attitude. It has consistently aimed low, damaging Canada’s image and shrinking our influence.

Far from investing in smart power, the Tories are paring back. They have cut Canada’s modest $2.5-billion foreign affairs budget by $170 million, equivalent to a 12 per cent cut in the operating budget. And their approach to foreign aid is equally discouraging. They have cut the $5 billion program by $377 million, some 7 per cent.

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While Canada used to be a strong advocate at the United Nations for arms control, our voice has been muted in recent years. And our track record on greenhouse gases is a national embarrassment.

We can aim higher. The Obama 2.0 administration is.

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