Interested in joining the Foreign Service but don’t know which career track is right for you? The Academy paired up with Diplomats in Residence to examine each of the 5 career tracks to better prepare future FSO applicants. Watch the whole 5-part series. @doscareers. (a thread).

AAD member Ambassador Daniel Kurtzer writes with Aaron David Miller on President Trump's recent decisions in the Middle East. They argue that Trump "enjoys the flexibility to pivot and turn on the proverbial dime, leading to significant unpredictability."

A new CIA memo ordered by Trump ally John Ratcliffe criticizes U.S. agencies’ 2017 investigations into Russian election interference. The report states that analysis was rushed and relied on shaky sources, but it falls short of disputing core evidence

President Trump announced a new trade deal with Vietnam that sets a 20% tariff on Vietnamese imports and 40% on goods rerouted through Vietnam. In exchange, the U.S. will gain full access to Vietnamese markets with no tariffs on American exports

A new POLITICO analysis reveals the Pentagon launched a surprise review of the AUKUS security pact without consulting key agencies. The move underscores the breakdown in interagency coordination under Rubio’s downsized National Security Council

🔊NEW PRESS RELEASE 📷In a statement issued on July 3, 2025, The American Academy of Diplomacy opposed the proposed deep cuts in personnel and expertise at the Department of State. Read the statement here:

AAD Member Admiral James G. Foggo reflects on four decades of civil-military cooperation, calling U.S. diplomats “the ultimate force multiplier” and warning that without a strong Foreign Service, “America’s security would be at risk.”

AAD member Ambassador Gordon Gray @AmbGordonGray describes Stephanie T. Williams's book "Libya Since Qaddafi: Chaos and the Search for Peace" as an "on the mark" assessment of the "tremendous difficulties in restoring social order to fractured nations."

President Trump says talks with Iran could restart this week, but Tehran appears hesitant. Iran’s foreign minister signaled that more time is needed before reengaging, though he emphasized that diplomatic channels remain open.

The State Department is launching a sweeping “America First” rebrand, unifying all logos under a single American flag design. Officials say the move aims to ensure U.S. contributions abroad are clearly recognized as the agency undergoes restructuring.

AAD member Ambassador Chas Freeman joins Mohammed Marandi and host Nima Alkhorshid on the Dialogue Works podcast to discuss relations between Iran, Israel, and the United States following American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

American and Israeli officials report that the Trump administration is holding "preliminary discussions" between Syria and Israel on a potential security agreement. President Trump lifted most sanctions on Syria through an executive order on Monday.

AAD member Ambassador Douglas Lute writes on the negative consequences of the "Big Beautiful Bill" for Afghans who were relocated to the United States after working with the U.S. military.

The Academy is saddened by the passing of Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, a devoted diplomat and respected member of our community. With decades of service across the globe and in senior leadership roles, his commitment to public service and global engagement was unwavering.

AAD member Amb. Thomas Miller advises the American envoy in Athens to listen carefully to local concerns and not push a partisan political agenda. "America makes mistakes when it tries to force its ideas, force its ideology on other countries," he says.

📸"As the Ambassador to Malawi, I led development assistance valued at $350 million annually. Education was a key component. Since retirement, I support the non-profit AGE Africa, bringing life changing education and life skills to thousands of Malawian girls."

📸 "Having earlier supported the transition of the Coalition Provisional Authority in Baghdad to a U.S. Embassy, I was asked to serve as Minister Counselor for Management at the massive mission in Iraq.".

📸 “As the U.S. Ambassador, I oversaw the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s primary.girls’ education project in Burkina Faso that included 125 girl-friendly schools. This project inspired my long-time commitment to educating girls in Africa.”

📸“The U.S. Embassy in Kabul was reopened in Nov 2001. I was armed with my post-opening checklist from opening 14 embassies in the Former USSR as I led the team to restore infrastructure and collaborate with the U.S. military. Then-Senator Biden was the first of many visitors.”

📸 “After the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi was destroyed by Al Qaeda in 1998, Mark and I led infrastructure, staff and operational rebuilding efforts. Sec. Powell joined our management team to celebrate the transfer of excess military equipment from Germany.to Embassies in Africa.”

📸 “At the U.S. Consulate General in Hong Kong, I and my FSO husband Mark managed a.multitude of U.S. visitors, bilateral issues, staffing and real estate complexities at the.time of the Handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. I also sang in the Handover.Choir!”