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Open Letter to the Next Secretary of State: SOS for DOS
By Stephanie S. Kinney
United States leadership in a post Cold War world requires a rigorous foreign policy and robust diplomacy attuned to the realities of the present, not the past. The strategic requirements of the nation demand the existence of a vigorous, pro-active Department of State to advance, defend and implement the nation’s foreign policy agenda The American people expect and deserve nothing less.
The unfortunate reality, however, is that the Department of State is ill-equipped and ill-prepared to meet the foreign policy challenges of the 21st century. Outdated procedures and chronic resource shortages have taken their toll. The organizational structure is dysfunctional, its staff is overextended and many of its embassy buildings are crumbling. Further, the State Department’s traditions and culture block needed change while its dedicated employees are distracted with trivia and drift without a common institutional vision. We are entering the uncharted waters of the 21st century in a rusted-out diplomatic hulk that is no longer seaworthy. Multiple studies have identified the problems. We must act now to make the needed repairs.
As concerned professionals of the Department of State, we call on both political parties to recognize the strategic importance of a responsive, focused, and well-provisioned Department of State. We ask their bipartisan help to forge a revitalized and modernized foreign affairs institution that is fully trained, prepared and equipped to carry out the foreign policy of the next president of the United States.
We make this appeal recognizing that armed conflict often begins when diplomacy fails. Our embassies, in fact, constitute the country’s first line of defense. The work of our diplomats from Nairobi to Beijing is every bit as crucial to the country’s strategic defense and protection of U.S. vital interests as are military bases and installations. Unfortunately, the structural weakness, cumbersome procedures, and hollowed-out infrastructure of our organization undermine our diplomatic readiness, making the State Department the weak link in the national security chain
Today’s demands and tomorrow’s dilemmas require that we act now to fix the problem. We must craft a clear plan of action to modernize and renew our organization, procedures and infrastructure. We must transform our outdated culture and demonstrate a clear commitment to change. We must embrace new technology and managerial techniques quickly. We must acquire the modern systems and expertise required to integrate policy and resource management in ways that advance national interests and promote operational efficiency. We must train and develop a new generation of diplomats schooled in the use of 21st century tools. Above all, we must make a clear and compelling case for how we will use any new resources needed to underwrite and sustain a modernized and reinvigorated Department of State.
We seek to work collaboratively with both of the political parties, the Congress, the administration and the American public to guarantee that America’s global leadership role is maintained and strengthened. As career foreign affairs professionals we pledge to do our part to achieve this important end.
Above all, we take pride in our service to our country and its citizens. We salute our current Secretary of State for her devotion to America and its foreign policy interests. We stand ready to support and work with her successor and look forward to serving the next president and his administration.
In return, we ask for the support, involvement and leadership needed to undertake a long-term, bipartisan effort to modernize and strengthen the Department of State. The country needs a well-equipped, adequately staffed and modernized foreign policy institution. The era of quill pen diplomacy is over. At the dawn of the 21st century, we call for bold and decisive steps now to deal effectively with the problems of today while preparing for the challenges of the future — a future that is as close as tomorrow.