Diplomacy In A Time Of Transition

Published: April 1, 2019

The long-standing state system for bringing order to the world is under pressure. The American-led security and economic commons built up over several decades in the twentieth century is at risk everywhere and in many places no longer exists. In order to prepare for the new global arrangement, America needs to return diplomatic responsibility and accountability to the Department of State. It also needs to raise the stature of the Foreign Service Institute, which trains diplomats and foreign affairs professionals. Now more than ever, America needs to maintain its strong diplomatic presence to preserve and ensure stability and peace.

Discussion Questions

1. Why is Foreign Service Institute important?
2. Why do you think that the United States maintains diplomatic relations with adversarial foreign countries?

Related Resources

• Read James Goodby’s chapter “Diplomacy in a Time of Transition” in Blueprint for America. Available here.
• You can find the rest of “Blueprint for America” here.