Department of State

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WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 15: The front of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID) headquarters building is seen on September 15, 2014, in Washington, DC. (Photo by J. David Ake/Getty Images)

Can the President Dissolve USAID by Executive Order?

Dissolution of USAID or formal transfer of its functions provided by Congress would require legislation - the president may not unilaterally override a statute by executive order.  
Men wearing military uniforms sit at a table.

Stopped Security Assistance: From Counter-Narcotics to Combating Human Trafficking Programs

The Trump administration's "stop work" order on U.S. foreign assistance may hurt its foreign policy goals and national security priorities.
The photo shows two women, one on the left wearing a blue mesh hair covering and the one on the right a pale pink, broad-brimmed hat, apparently sorting a green vegetable over a crate in a small, white-painted room with narrow shelves on the wall behind them.

Stop-Work Order on US Foreign Aid Puts China First and America Last

President Trump and Secretary of State Rubio's 90-day halt endangers health, economic and other programs, leaving gaps for China to fill.
US Department of State building with sign in front

Deprofessionalizing the State Department Is a Threat to National Security

One reason for the continuation of senior staff across administrations is because it takes time to build the human capital required, and an experienced diplomatic corps is an essential…
U.S. Vice President (L), Secretary of State Antony Blinken (C) and President Joe Biden (R) deliver remarks at a podium

A Brief Reflection on the War in Gaza as the Biden Administration Ends

Subjecting the policies of the Biden administration to evaluation and criticism is not only fair but healthy. But if the objective is to do better in the future, we will fail unless…
A man takes cover behind a column as an explosion propagates smoke and dust during an Israeli strike

Why Palestinian Families Are Suing the State Department for Failing to Enforce the Leahy Law

The plaintiffs in Amal Gaza, et al v. Secretary Antony Blinken, et al have a single demand of the State Department: obey the law.
Marco Rubio on stage at Trump Rally

Questions for Senators (and Journalists) to Ask Secretary of State Nominee Marco Rubio

Experts suggest questions for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee's confirmation hearing for Trump's pick for Secretary of State, Sen. Marco Rubio.
US Department of State building with sign in front

The US State Department Should Prioritize the Human Rights Reporting Gateway

The Human Rights Reporting Gateway can help the State Department enforce the Leahy law by providing key information from NGOs and victims.
A group of protestors by the gates of the Sde Teman military base in Israel.

A Model Leahy Law Legal Memo on Assistance to Israeli Security Forces

A model Department of Defense action memo illustrates what a faithful application of the Leahy law to an alleged gross human rights violation in Israel would look like.
A crowd holds yellow placards showing President Joe Biden's face and the message "Biden sanction Moge."

Do Sanctions Work? It Depends. Burma and the West Bank Might Be Models.

The question shifts the focus from the far more critical issues of whether policy goals are clear and realistic and if sanctions can help.
House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Michael McCaul (R-TX) (C) presides over a hearing

US Should Learn from Afghanistan and Vietnam Withdrawals to Better Protect Vulnerable Allies

Congress should learn from Afghanistan and look to historical precedents when pursuing reform for noncombatant evacuation operations.
US Department of State building with sign in front

The State Department Reform Commission: A Once in A Generation Opportunity to Reform American Diplomacy

The Commission to Reform and Modernize the State Department has a historical opportunity to build something better. Here are four questions it needs to consider.
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