Omar Bennett
Public diplomacy is a form of international political advocacy in which civilians of one country use legitimate means to reach out to the civilians of another country to gain support for negotiations occurring through diplomatic channels. The US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns, with the Marshall Plan being one of the most notable examples. The US government's public diplomacy activities are a comparatively minor and shrinking portion of taxpayer dollars, currently accounting for 3.6% of the total international affairs budget. However, there has been a recent decline in spending on core diplomatic capabilities, with proposed spending cuts by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and the Trump administration. While foreign aid has historically been associated more with Democrats, Republican presidents have also contributed to significant increases in foreign aid.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Portion of the federal discretionary budget spent on public diplomacy activities | 0.17% |
| Portion of the international affairs budget spent on public diplomacy activities | 3.6% |
| Annual spending on core diplomatic capability in 2016 compared to 2008 | 77% |
| Portion of the total D&CP spending that is WSP | 45% |
| Portion of the total D&CP spending that is core diplomacy | 55% |
| Number of Foreign Service officers at the State Department in December 2023 | 7,940 |
| Number of Foreign Service officers at the State Department in March 2017 | 8,176 |
| Number of Career Ministers at the State Department in December 2016 | 33 |
| Number of Career Ministers at the State Department now | 18 |
| Number of Minister Counselors at the State Department in December 2016 | 470 |
| Number of Minister Counselors at the State Department now | 373 |
| Amount spent on discretionary programs in the fiscal year 2023 | $1.7 trillion |
| Portion of the $1.7 trillion spent on international affairs | $84 billion (nearly 5%) |
| Portion of discretionary spending spent on international affairs over the past 50 years | Between 3.1% and 5.2% |
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What You'll Learn
- US public diplomacy activities are a small portion of the federal budget
- Spending on core diplomatic capability has declined over the last decade
- The US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns
- The US government spent $84 billion on international affairs in 2023
- The Trump administration proposed cuts to international spending and diplomacy efforts
US public diplomacy activities are a small portion of the federal budget
Public diplomacy activities specifically make up a small part of this international affairs budget. In 2017, public diplomacy accounted for 3.6% of the total international affairs budget and just 0.17% of the entire federal discretionary budget. This amounts to less than one-fifth of one percent.
Despite the small proportion of the budget that public diplomacy activities receive, they are an important tool of US foreign policy. Public diplomacy is a form of international political advocacy where civilians of one country use legitimate means to reach out to the civilians of another country to gain support for negotiations through diplomatic channels. It is particularly important in an era of ubiquitous connectivity and disinformation, where the public dimensions of diplomacy supersede all others. Effective diplomacy requires a coordinated, multi-platform, public component.
The US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns, dating back to the Marshall Plan after World War II. The US has also used public diplomacy to confront communism during the Cold War, promote the virtues of free-market and democratic systems, and expose communities behind the Iron Curtain to Western institutions and values. Today, public diplomacy activities continue to be important for building direct and productive relationships with foreign populations and ensuring that America's messages and values are heard abroad.
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Spending on core diplomatic capability has declined over the last decade
The proposed budget for 2018 continued this trend, with core diplomacy declining to 55% of total spending while spending on diplomatic security increased. This shift in spending priorities may be due to the need to support the executive-branch platform, but it is important to distinguish this from spending on core diplomatic capability.
The State Department's budget justifications show that spending on core diplomatic functions, such as reporting, analysis, and public diplomacy activities, has decreased. Public diplomacy activities, which are crucial for building support for negotiations and fostering direct and productive relationships with foreign populations, represent a shrinking portion of taxpayer dollars.
The United States has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns, such as the Marshall Plan after World War II and efforts to confront communism during the Cold War. However, despite the importance of public diplomacy in shaping America's global presence and potential, spending on these activities has decreased relative to other priorities.
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The US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns
In the 20th century, public diplomacy campaigns became more structured and targeted. During World War I, President Wilson created the Committee on Public Information, led by advertiser George Creel, to shape public opinion and gain support for the war effort. After World War II, the Marshall Plan, initiated by the Truman administration, played a crucial role in rebuilding Europe while also promoting American values and interests.
The Cold War era witnessed a significant expansion of public diplomacy efforts. The United States Information Agency (USIA) oversaw a multifaceted campaign to confront communism and promote democratic and free-market systems. This included exchanges, radio programming, and publications that reached communities behind the Iron Curtain, contributing to the ideological battle against the Soviet Union.
In more recent times, the US has continued to recognize the importance of public diplomacy in shaping global perceptions and advancing its foreign policy goals. The 1994 United States International Broadcasting Act reorganized US non-military international broadcasting, creating a Broadcasting Board of Governors to oversee and coordinate these efforts.
While the US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy, the allocation of resources and funding for these activities has fluctuated over time. In recent years, there have been discussions about spending cuts and a decline in core diplomatic capability, raising questions about the balance between diplomatic engagement and other priorities.
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The US government spent $84 billion on international affairs in 2023
Public diplomacy activities are a critical component of America's international relations strategy. They involve reaching out to civilians in other countries to gain support for negotiations and promote America's messages and values abroad. While the Trump administration sought to reduce spending in this area, regarding it as a "doctrine of retreat", Congress rejected these proposed cuts, recognising the importance of public diplomacy in shaping America's foreign policy.
The US has a long history of investing in public diplomacy campaigns, dating back to the Marshall Plan after World War II. This plan helped rebuild Europe and promote American ideas, values, and interests. During the Cold War, the US continued to invest in public diplomacy to confront communism and promote democratic ideals. Today, public diplomacy remains essential, especially in countering disinformation campaigns and fostering global partnerships.
However, it is worth noting that the US government's spending on core diplomatic capability has declined over the last decade. This includes areas such as political, economic, and public diplomacy sections in embassies, which are often thinly staffed. While the US continues to prioritise international affairs in its budget, there is a growing recognition that increased investment in core diplomatic functions may be necessary to maintain America's global leadership role.
In conclusion, the US government's spending of $84 billion on international affairs in 2023 reflects its commitment to global engagement and diplomacy. Public diplomacy activities are a key component of this spending, helping to shape America's relationships with the world and advance its national interests. While there have been debates about the allocation of resources, the overall trend suggests a continued recognition of the importance of international affairs and public diplomacy in US foreign policy.
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The Trump administration proposed cuts to international spending and diplomacy efforts
The Trump administration's proposed cuts to diplomacy and foreign aid budgets were met with criticism from both Democrats and Republicans in Congress, who deemed them ""dangerous to national security". The proposed budget called for reallocating funds from diplomacy efforts to the military and a U.S.-Mexico border wall, as well as overhauling social safety-net programs.
The Trump administration's decision to cut foreign aid and development assistance was particularly controversial. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which had a budget of $63 billion in fiscal year 2023, provides humanitarian and development assistance to people worldwide facing some of the worst global crises. One of the efforts funded by USAID is involved in mine clearing in Southeast Asia, where unexploded bombs from the Vietnam War have killed tens of thousands. Another program that has saved millions of lives is the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
In addition to the cuts to foreign aid, the Trump administration also withheld funding in several other areas, including $750 million in international disaster assistance, $750 million in migration and refugee assistance, and $115 million for international narcotics control and enforcement. These decisions were criticized by lawmakers, who argued that they undermined the administration's foreign policy and security goals.
The proposed cuts to diplomacy and foreign aid budgets reflect the Trump administration's focus on creating a more lean and efficient government. However, critics argue that these cuts could have disastrous consequences for people around the world and signal a disengagement from global affairs.
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Frequently asked questions
The US federal government spent around $1.7 trillion on discretionary programs in the fiscal year 2023, of which $84 billion (nearly 5%) was dedicated to international affairs, which includes public diplomacy activities. Public diplomacy activities represent a small and shrinking portion of taxpayer dollars, currently accounting for 3.6% of the total international affairs budget and 0.17% of the federal discretionary budget.
International affairs spending covers agencies such as the State Department, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Peace Corps, which are all non-military initiatives aimed at improving international relations. This category also includes funding for humanitarian assistance and protection through programs like International Disaster Assistance, Migration and Refugee Assistance, and Food for Peace.
While the term "foreign aid" is not popular, Americans generally support US engagement in the world and collaboration with other nations. Humanitarian assistance receives overwhelming approval, while strategic assistance is less supported. Polling suggests that Americans view foreign aid more favorably when it is directed towards specific purposes such as improving health, helping women and girls, educating children, and supporting economic development in poor countries.
