By Cameron Nibarger (Y7)
In the past few years, American diplomacy has changed significantly. Many American diplomats have been pushing an America First agenda, breaking away from nearly 80 years of American foreign policy. The entire State Department has been reshaped. The United States has reconsidered its alliances. And some even argue that American diplomacy is in decline. And if these trends continue, they could have serious global consequences.
We have destroyed what past diplomats have accomplished. We have changed to try to be better than other countries. Not to try to work with them so that all of us can be better. We are looking at some countries as if they are our enemies. Not our allies.
Influential diplomats like Dean Acheson made the Truman Doctrine, which pledged political, military, and economic aid to democratic nations under threat from communist forces. Some critics argue the U.S has not done enough to support countries like Ukraine. Similarly, Ralph Bunche, who helped negotiate the 1949 Armistice Agreements between Israel and four Arab states, and Harold Saunders, who helped negotiate the 1978 Camp David Accords. All of these influential American diplomats have worked most of their lives to advance American diplomacy, and few believe that recent policies risk undermining their legacy.
The entire department has changed. And maybe not for the better. About 1,300 American diplomats have left or been affected by the staffing changes, and around 3,000 have to quit their jobs. And, there aren’t enough open positions. And because of all this, the remaining diplomats have a heavier workload, which has led to further resignations and lowered morale.
If these trends continue, they could have serious consequences not only for the U.S. but also globally. Many diplomats can become less effective and demoralized over time.