Reforming Diplomacy Carey Averbook, Charles Ford, Taylor Jo Isenberg, Camille Gregory, Katie McCabe The University of Georgia – Foreign Affairs Athens, Georgia April 17, 2010

Background America faces a litany of long-term problems that will require international solutions Think climate change, resource scarcity, transnational terrorism, regional conflicts, rising powers, proliferation networks…

Decline in American Diplomatic Infrastructure and Capabilities Inadequacy in American “soft power,” including cultural diplomacy Militarization of foreign policy Inadequate standards for diplomats High level of funding for DOD and low level of funding for State Department Administrative fragmentation of the foreign policy bureaucracy 75% to teachers 25% to structure/overheard

Policy Proposal Refocus diplomatic efforts Streamline foreign policy bureaucracy Increase funding and standards for foreign policy officials Re-establish cultural diplomacy exchange centers Establish a coherent and flexible Grand Strategy that is shared throughout the foreign policy community         75% to teachers 25% to structure/overheard

Benefits Increased ability to gain international support for foreign policies More instances of peaceful conflict resolution Chance to strengthen international institutions

Challenges Radical overhauls of bureaucracy are extremely difficult Require significant resources Partisanship Public fear

Conclusion “Yes, we can.”