Newly-appointed Secretary Of State Elizabeth McCord is immediately faced with a maelstrom of complex political challenges, and an international hostage situation is her top priority. Meanwhile at home, Elizabeth questions whether she did the right thing by taking this job, as her children are finding it difficult to adjust to their new schools.

While Elizabeth deals with a crisis in Yemen, her eldest daughter makes headlines for protesting a new university policy.

A hostile reporter threatens to publish confidential documents leaked from the State Department; Henry becomes involved in an international negotiation.

A Chinese student seeking political asylum threatens a potential peace treaty between Japan and China; tension grows between Stevie and Alison.

Elizabeth must negotiate with Iran regarding their escalating nuclear program; Jason interviews his father for a school report.

Elizabeth asks the president for help with a dire situation in Western Africa but ends up being faced with unexpected consequences.