Pete Buttigieg in Council on Foreign Relations
On Energy & Oil:
US must lead the way in exit of coal-fired power
The US needs to lead the way in the global exit of coal-fired power. I will quadruple clean energy research and development in the US and enact additional policies to support the deployment of renewables, storage, carbon capture and energy
efficiency in homes and building retrofits. The US will work through global institutions to reduce and end global fossil fuel subsidies, many of which have unfairly favored coal, starting at home.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Foreign Policy:
Accept both cooperation and conflict with China
Beijing seems committed to consolidating authoritarian capitalism as an alternative to the democratic capitalism embraced by the United States and its allies. Where necessary, we should seek cooperation with Beijing, such as in addressing climate
disruption, maintaining strategic stability, combatting terrorism, and managing conflict. But the United States must defend our fundamental values, core interests, and critical alliances, and accept that this will often entail friction with China.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Foreign Policy:
Sanctions on Russia; support for Ukraine
We must keep tough, targeted, and effective economic and financial sanctions on Russia as long as it continues to assault Ukrainian territory and citizens and continues to illegally occupy Ukrainian territory. Countering Russian aggression also means
supporting Ukraine's independence and ability to make and implement sovereign foreign policy decisions by supporting Ukraine's political, economic, and defense capabilities.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Foreign Policy:
We must reset our relationship with Saudi Arabia
The United States must halt military support for the Saudi-led campaign in Yemen. As president, I would suspend all arms sales to Saudi Arabia that could be used in the Yemen war. We need to increase our diplomatic efforts and work with our allies to
end the conflict itself, which has generated the world's worst humanitarian crisis and helped to spread extremism. We must reset our relationship with Saudi Arabia, so that our interests and values drive the relationship--not the other way around.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Foreign Policy:
Supports 2-state solution, but not current Israeli policies
I do support a two-state solution. The US alliance with Israel and support for Israel's security have long been fundamental tenets of US policy. But this is not a zero-sum game. I have clearly and strongly stated my support for the security of Israel,
and I have also said that I disagree with policies being carried out by the current Israeli administration. A two-state solution that achieves legitimate Palestinian aspirations and meets Israel's security needs remains the only viable way forward.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Foreign Policy:
Targeted sanctions against Venezuelan officials
Our end-state in Venezuela is a peaceful transfer of power to an interim constitutional government followed by free and fair elections. I would continue to apply targeted sanctions against regime officials--but broad economic sanctions, such as
those pursued by the Trump administration, run the risk of hurting innocent Venezuelans enabling the Maduro regime to promote the false narrative that the U.S. is responsible for the country's misery.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Free Trade:
Deals must support workers, but US can't sit on sidelines
Q: Would you support the United States joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), formerly the Trans-Pacific Partnership?BUTTIGIEG: I would not support the US joining the current CPTPP.
It lacks critical trade provisions on labor, environment, and the digital economy, and does not align closely enough with the needs and interests of American workers.
At the same time, we should not surrender the world's fastest growing markets in Asia to other nations. China is negotiating broad new trade agreements with their neighbors that favor China's economy and workers.
Sitting on the sidelines is a losing proposition for America.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Free Trade:
Support African nations; recognize market opportunities
Africa is not a country: it is a diverse and multifaceted continent of states. Our priorities should include helping our African partners: accountable governance, climate change mitigation and conflict prevention. That continent now boasts some of the
fastest-growing economies in the world, which have lifted millions out of poverty and into the global marketplace. Sub-Saharan Africa represents one of the biggest opportunities for new markets for US goods and investment.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On Homeland Security:
Bring troops home from Afghanistan except for Special Ops
Our objective has remained the same: ensuring that Afghanistan never again becomes a base for terrorist attacks against the US or its allies. A negotiated peace agreement in which we maintain a relevant special operations/intelligence presence but
bring home our ground troops is the best way to ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a base for terrorist attacks. Using our current presence to help lock in a peace agreement should be part of that strategy.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On War & Peace:
Rejoin Iran deal with 6 other countries
Walking away from the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action between Iran and 6 countries] was a strategic mistake. We didn't develop the deal as a favor to Iran; we did it because it was in our national security interest. I would revive P5+1
diplomacy and direct US-Iran dialogue to pursue follow-on agreements that extend the timeframe of certain nuclear restrictions, cover Iran's missile program, and address its role in regional conflicts, all in return for targeted sanctions relief.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
On War & Peace:
N. Korea: Step-by-step process for peace & denuclearization
We have to accept that denuclearization will not happen overnight and will require a sustained, step-by-step approach spanning a significant number of years. I believe the most realistic way to get there is a framework for complete, verifiable
denuclearization and peace on the Korean Peninsula that is comprehensive in scope, with steps on both fronts implemented step-by-step and in tandem.
Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary
Jul 30, 2019
Page last updated: Mar 16, 2022