Bob Lorinser is retired from the U.S. State Dept. and was involved in diplomatic missions with the Foreign Services. Any mention of service, rank, or title does not imply an endorsement from the U.S. Dept. of State or the Foreign Services, per the US Hatch Act, 5 U.S. Code § 7323.
Dr. Bob Lorinser's extensive experience as a regional medical officer with the U.S. State Department for ten years and his service in hardship diplomatic missions in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Asia, and North Africa provide him with firsthand insights into diplomatic relations and foreign policy.
Core Beliefs:
Moral and Ethical Foundations: U.S. foreign policy should be rooted in moral and ethical principles, emphasizing global peace, security, and development.
Diplomacy Over Militarism: Prioritizing diplomacy to prevent conflicts and reduce the necessity for military intervention.
Humanitarian Focus: Supporting humanitarian relief and long-term development over military aid.
Economic Opportunities: Promoting economic opportunities to stabilize emerging democracies and combat extremism.
Key Policy Positions:
Support for Ukraine: Advocates strongly for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, including diplomatic and economic assistance to counter external aggression.
Ceasefire in Gaza: Calls for diplomatic efforts to pursue a ceasefire in Gaza, de-escalate regional tensions, and address the humanitarian crisis.
Promotion of Democracy in Latin America: Supports democratic institutions and human rights to strengthen regional relationships and foster stability.
Climate Change Diplomacy emphasizes global cooperation to combat environmental threats and advocates for international partnerships in addressing climate change.
Vision for U.S. Foreign Aid:
Global Leadership: The U.S. must lead with a unified and unwavering determination grounded in a solid moral compass.
Comprehensive foreign assistance is the strategic allocation of foreign aid, focusing on long-term development, humanitarian needs, and political aid rather than predominantly military assistance. Currently, the U.S. allocates less than 1% of its annual budget to foreign aid. Roughly 40-45% of foreign aid funds are designated for long-term development, with 30-35% earmarked for military and security aid, 14% for humanitarian needs, and 11% for political assistance. This needs to be carefully evaluated and adjusted for optimal benefits
Cost-Benefit Approach: This approach aligns with the perspective that investing in diplomacy through the State Department can reduce the need for increased military spending, as noted by former Secretary of Defense General Mattis.
Objectives of U.S. Foreign Aid: The United States conducts foreign assistance programs in over 100 countries, with contributions from more than 20 government agencies. The objectives of this aid include:
Expansion of free-market economics
Stabilization of emerging democracies
Addressing global poverty
Combating extremism
Dr. Lorinser emphasizes that peace is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for stability. A well-equipped military should be maintained to defend national interests when necessary, but diplomacy remains the preferred method for preventing hostilities and war.