What A Day Job Cuts Come For the State Department
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Apr 25, 2025 Nahal Toosi, a Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent for Politico, delves into the recent reorganization at the State Department and its far-reaching implications for U.S. diplomacy. She highlights the elimination of key offices dedicated to war crimes and the shift towards a more transactional diplomatic approach, moving away from values-driven policies. Toosi also discusses significant U.S. foreign aid cuts to Africa and the potential geopolitical repercussions, particularly the rise of China’s influence as America retreats from its global commitments. This reshaping hints at a chaotic future for American diplomacy.
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Shift From Soft To Traditional Diplomacy
- The Trump administration's State Department reorganization reduces focus on human rights and war crimes.
- It shifts priority to traditional diplomacy like peace talks, energy, and commercial relations.
Extreme Proposals Not Realistic
- Some extreme reorganization drafts were never serious or approved by leadership.
- Certain embassy and consulate closures in Africa and Europe are likely.
Diplomacy Prevents Long-Term Threats
- Cutting State Department funding delays services like passport renewals.
- Weak diplomacy abroad risks instability that can eventually threaten Americans overseas.