Omar Bennett
The United States has a long history of diplomacy, which has been vital to advancing its security and prosperity. However, since its rise as a global power, the US has participated in international diplomacy in a unique way, often referred to as 'anti-diplomacy'. This is characterised by a traditional distrust of diplomats and diplomacy, which has resulted in the sidelining of the US Department of State in policy-making. This distrust has been exacerbated by former President Trump, whose policies and remarks about allies drove a wedge between the US and its partners. Despite this, diplomacy remains one of the best ways to protect the United States and its people, and the State Department continues to engage in diplomatic efforts to promote regional stability and protect American interests.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Long-held distrust and negative view of diplomats and diplomacy | The historical neglect and sidelining of the US Department of State in the United States’ policy-making process |
| High degree of domestic influence over foreign policy and diplomacy | The US Department of State engages international audiences on issues of foreign policy, society, and values to help create an environment receptive to US national interests |
| Tendency to privilege hard power over soft power in foreign policy | The State Department provides foreign policy oversight and guidance to all US Government international counterterrorism activities |
| Preference for bilateral over multilateral diplomacy | The State Department joins with other countries in international organizations to promote stability and economic prosperity |
| Ideological tradition of diplomatically isolating adversarial states | The State Department uses diplomacy in all regions of the world to keep local conflicts from becoming wider wars that may harm US interests |
| Tradition of appointing a high proportion of political rather than career ambassadors | The Department provides information outreach support to US embassies and consulates in more than 140 countries worldwide |
| Use of anti-diplomacy | The US has accepted many diplomatic norms and practices while remaining reluctant to engage |
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What You'll Learn
The sidelining of the US Department of State in policy-making
Firstly, there has been a notable budget and personnel reduction within the State Department since the conclusion of the Cold War. This reduction has undoubtedly hindered the department's ability to effectively carry out its diplomatic responsibilities.
Secondly, US presidents have demonstrated a tendency to rely on military or political leaders outside the State Department during times of crisis. This practice undermines the expertise and role of the State Department, indicating a lack of trust in their capabilities.
Thirdly, the United States has engaged in embassy closures in numerous nations since the mid-1990s, further diminishing its diplomatic presence and engagement globally. This action not only limits the country's ability to foster international relations but also reduces its access to critical information and insights about other countries.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable limitation on the number of meetings between the US president and foreign ambassadors. This restriction contrasts with the increasing demands and expectations of foreign ambassadors towards the US president. As a result, there is a growing disconnect between the United States and other nations, potentially impacting their ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively.
Moreover, the US has a history of appointing a relatively high proportion of political ambassadors rather than career ambassadors. This practice may introduce an element of political bias into diplomatic roles, potentially hindering the objectivity and effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
Finally, the distinct characteristics of American diplomacy, including its preference for hard power over soft power in foreign policy and its tendency to isolate adversarial states, have contributed to the marginalization of the State Department. This department has long been viewed with scepticism, impacting its role in policy-making.
Despite these challenges, it is important to recognize that diplomacy remains essential for protecting America and advancing its interests. The State Department plays a crucial role in fighting terrorism, promoting regional stability, and fostering mutual understanding between Americans and people from other countries.
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Domestic influence over foreign policy
The domestic sources of US foreign policy have evolved over the years, with former President Trump's "America First" policy tapping into nationalist and populist anger concerning the perceived failures of globalist thinking. This included opposition to overseas military operations, burdensome alliances, and unfair trade agreements. Trump's attempts to cut foreign aid and slash funding for global health initiatives also contributed to this shift.
The domestic influence on foreign policy was further impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with the federal government taking on a more prominent role in responding to public health emergencies. Litigation against federal measures, such as vaccine and mask mandates, has also played a part in shaping foreign policy, as have immigration politics, which have prevented Congress from approving domestic funding.
The raging battle over the primary source of US power and principles, namely the nature of American democracy, has impaired the credibility and effectiveness of US foreign policy. Efforts by Trump and conservative groups to challenge the 2020 election's legitimacy and undermine the democratic process have had significant repercussions.
Furthermore, issues such as economic inequality, technology and globalization, and policies that fail to support displaced workers have contributed to distrust and disillusionment among Americans, fueling political polarization. These domestic factors influence how the US engages with other nations and shapes its diplomatic approach.
The Biden administration has recognized the integration of domestic and foreign policy, with investments in infrastructure, research, and key industries reinforcing American leadership on the world stage. Biden has also promised a ""foreign policy for the middle class," aiming to prioritize the interests of American working families in every foreign policy decision.
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Preference for hard power in foreign policy
The United States has been criticized for its preference for hard power over soft power in its foreign policy. Hard power refers to the use of coercion, punishment, or payment to influence the behavior of other actors in international relations. It includes the use of military force, economic sanctions, and explicit trade incentives. On the other hand, soft power is the power of attraction, which includes cultural exchanges and public diplomacy initiatives to shape behavior.
The US has been characterized as conducting a distinctive form of 'anti-diplomacy', where it accepts diplomatic norms and practices but remains reluctant to engage in them. This is evident in its historical neglect of the US Department of State in the policymaking process. Instead, the US tends to privilege hard power in its foreign policy, as seen in its invasion of Iraq in 2003. The Bush administration's focus on hard power strategies led to the degradation of American soft power and undermined its global position and leadership.
However, some argue that the US has been shifting towards incorporating more soft power approaches in its foreign policy. For example, the State Department engages in public diplomacy programs to foster mutual understanding between Americans and people in other countries, advancing US national interests. Additionally, the Biden administration has made significant investments in upgrading infrastructure, boosting research, and bolstering key industries, recognizing the integration of domestic and foreign policy.
Despite these efforts, the US still faces challenges in fully embracing soft power. Its foreign policy has been described as traditional and slow to change, with a long-standing preference for hard power. The effectiveness of hard power strategies has also been questioned, as the contemporary world order, characterized by economic interdependence, the rise of transnational actors, and widespread access to information, weakens the impact of hard power.
In conclusion, while the US has shown some movement towards soft power, its foreign policy continues to be heavily influenced by hard power approaches. The preference for hard power in US foreign policy has shaped its engagement with the world and contributed to its distinct diplomatic approach.
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Bilateral diplomacy over multilateral diplomacy
The United States has been characterised as engaging in a distinctive form of diplomacy, sometimes described as 'anti-diplomacy'. One of the defining features of American diplomacy is its preference for bilateral diplomacy over multilateral diplomacy.
Bilateral diplomacy is a key building block of international relations, covering relationships between the home country and individual foreign states, one at a time. It is the very core of managing foreign relations. Bilateral diplomacy is essential for any country to engage directly with other countries, whether they are in their immediate neighbourhood or beyond. It is conducted via embassies, as well as on citizen and business levels. The efficiency of a country's bilateral diplomatic engagement is often enhanced by involvement in regional and multilateral frameworks.
Multilateral diplomacy, on the other hand, is the cooperation of three or more countries that work toward a common goal. It has developed alongside bilateral diplomacy through congresses and conferences. Modern multilateral diplomacy is associated with the founding of international organisations, especially the UN, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, and the European Union. Multilateral diplomacy is essential for addressing complex global challenges, such as climate change, migration, and sustainable development, that require cooperation among countries. By working together, countries can find solutions that are more effective, efficient, and sustainable than those pursued bilaterally.
The preference for bilateral diplomacy in the US can be seen as a means to protect America and its national interests. Diplomacy is used to deal with challenges that cross national boundaries and affect the US, such as international terrorism and environmental degradation. It is also used to promote mutual understanding between Americans and people in other countries, fostering a sense of common interests and values.
However, the preference for bilateral diplomacy over multilateral diplomacy in the US has been criticised as a strategic error. Countries have increasingly sent their best diplomats to bilateral diplomacy, neglecting multilateral diplomacy, which has become more important for the world.
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Appointing political ambassadors over career ambassadors
The United States has a long history of appointing political ambassadors over career ambassadors. Since the second half of the 20th century, the ratio of US ambassadorial appointments has been around 70% career diplomats and 30% political appointments. This proportion is relatively high compared to other US government agencies and foreign services.
Political appointments are often made as a reward for party loyalty and campaign donations. These appointments can also be used to control foreign policy implementation, as ambassadors operate with limited oversight. Major donors and actors with close ties to the president are rewarded with diplomatic positions, which are considered prestigious. However, this practice has been criticised as endangering external relations and weakening the professionalism of the foreign service.
The effectiveness of political appointees as ambassadors is debated. While some argue that political appointees with close ties to the head of state have better political access, others contend that career diplomats are preferable for their specialist knowledge and understanding of diplomatic nuances. In addition, appointing career diplomats to top posts is important for morale and career progression in foreign services.
The US is not alone in appointing political ambassadors. Other countries, particularly in Western Europe, also make political appointments, although the number of appointees is typically lower, with some services aiming for a cap of 20%.
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Frequently asked questions
The US's distrust of traditional diplomacy stems from several interconnected characteristics of American diplomacy, including:
- A long-held negative view of diplomats and diplomacy, which has resulted in the sidelining of the US Department of State in policy-making.
- A preference for hard power over soft power in foreign policy.
- A tendency to diplomatically isolate adversarial states and refuse engagement until preconditions are met.
- A focus on bilateral diplomacy over multilateral approaches.
The US has been described as conducting a distinctive form of 'anti-diplomacy', where it accepts diplomatic norms and practices but remains reluctant to engage fully. This has involved a reluctance to engage with traditional allies and a focus on protecting US interests above all else.
The US's distrust of traditional diplomacy has had several consequences, including:
- A decline in trust among its allies, as seen during the Trump administration when he praised the strengths of a downgraded aircraft sold to allies.
- A neglect of certain regions, allowing China to fill the vacuum and cultivate partnerships through personal engagement and debt diplomacy.
- A focus on domestic issues over foreign policy, with President Biden making significant investments in upgrading infrastructure, boosting research, and bolstering key industries.
