The Importance of Diversity & Representation in American Foreign Policy

This resource guide was created to supplement Community Programs & Global Classroom's virtual event,

"The Importance of Diversity & Representation in American Foreign Policy"

President Biden has vowed to diversify U.S. government agencies so that they “reflect the American public they represent.” The State Department, whose diplomats are literally the face of the United States abroad, remains predominantly white and male. This lack of diversity deprives the State Department of the talent needed to effectively pursue its foreign policy objectives as well as credibility when touting American values of diversity and inclusion abroad. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, has labeled the lack of diversity in the diplomatic corps a national security crisis, undercutting the promotion of American interests and values.