Management
What the Careers of Diplomats Can Teach the Rest of Government
Two recent books examine the lives and roles of foreign service officers.
Oversight
Viewpoint: As the Rich Get Richer, the Ambassadors Get Worse
Gordon Sondland embodies an age-old problem—one that the flood of donor money into American politics is only exacerbating.
Management
The Trump Administration Gutted the Staff Overseeing $1 Billion in Aid to Iraq. A Watchdog Is Raising Red Flags.
A new report warns that USAID may not be able to effectively oversee $1.16 billion in foreign aid to Iraq — including to Christian groups Vice President Mike Pence’s office favored — after the administration cut much of its on-the-ground staff.
Management
What’s Driving Apolitical Diplomats to Get Political
Some former State Department officials are so concerned by Trump’s breach of diplomatic protocol that they have begun to advise 2020 Democrats.
Management
How Mike Pence’s Office Meddled in Foreign Aid to Reroute Money to Favored Christian Groups
Officials at USAID warned that favoring Christian groups in Iraq could be unconstitutional and inflame religious tensions. When one colleague lost her job, they said she had been “Penced.”
Management
Citing Need to Protect Career Employees, Pompeo Says State Won't Comply With Initial Impeachment Inquiry Requests
Congress is seeking to "intimidate, bully and treat improperly" career staff, says President Trump's top diplomat.
Management
Allies Defend Kurt Volker, Diplomat Caught Up in Ukrainegate
Former officials say that the characterization of Volker that has emerged in some press reports is untrue.
Workforce
‘People Will Be Afraid’: How Trump’s Ukraine Call Could Chill Public Servants
Diplomats condemn Trump for "threatening" a foreign service officer and other civil servants.
Workforce
State Department Recognizes Terror Attack Hero as Inaugural Honoree in New Program
"We have to tell these stories," State secretary says of woman who got back to work after her nose was blown off.
Management
Budget Talks Will Break Down if White House Bypasses Congress to Cut Foreign Aid, Pelosi Warns
The Democratic leader stresses that the State Department must be allowed to continue spending money while Congress considers any rescission request, per a GAO legal analysis.
Management
Before Trump Eyed Greenland: Here’s What Happened Last Time The U.S. Bought a Large Chunk Of The Arctic
In 1867, the U.S. bought Alaska from Tsar Alexander II for a tidy sum of $7.2 million. Trump probably wouldn't be able to get that kind of bargain for Greenland.
Oversight
State Dept. IG: Appointees Retaliated Against Career Feds Over Perceived ‘Disloyalty’
Watchdog found multiple instances where career employees were retaliated against, or denied promotions, because of a perception that they were “Obama holdovers.”
Management
Leaks Are Changing How Diplomats Talk
In the era of WikiLeaks, hostile-state cyberwarfare, and leaks such as the Darroch incident, the diplomatic cable’s primacy is being threatened, changing the way foreign policy is being conducted.
Workforce
Presidential Hopeful Vows to Double the Number of Career Diplomats at State
Democratic candidate would create new recruiting pipelines and pay structures to boost workforce.
Defense
Former Defense Secretary Ash Carter Talks Iran, China, and Trump’s Late-Night Tweets
“I don’t want to have a war with Iran, but I know who would win.”
Defense
The U.S. and North Korea Are Back to Talking Tough
Pyongyang’s latest threats don’t necessarily mean diplomacy is dead. But they are a sign of just how deadlocked nuclear talks have become.
Management
Trump Chooses a Loyal Foot Soldier for the UN
Heather Nauert, currently the State Department’s chief spokesperson, is not known for challenging her superiors.
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