Department of State
268 Articles
The Need for Course Correction: The Risks of Treating Drug Cartels as Terrorist Threats
While the executive order is intended to enhance national security, it raises significant concerns.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.