Project
Reimagining US Diplomacy
Elevating diplomacy as a tool of US statecraft
About Project
The Reimagining US Diplomacy project seeks to restore diplomacy to a central role in US foreign policy. Doing so involves finding areas where the United States can better engage with partners, bringing in ideas from outside of government, and helping policymakers develop effective strategies to advance US interests. Of particular focus are aspects of diplomacy where the United States has untapped strength, such as cultural and commercial diplomacy, and measures to improve global public health. The project will also consider reforms to the State Department and other parts of government that can improve the ability of the United States to accomplish its diplomatic objectives.
Research & Writing
Issue Brief
Making the Most of America’s Mega-Decade of Sports
Considering the diplomatic opportunities and risks of hosting the world’s biggest sporting events.
March 20, 2026
Report
The Power of US Cultural Diplomacy
Examining methods for utilizing U.S. culture for diplomatic engagement.
December 2, 2025
Issue Brief
Scenarios for US Foreign Aid in 2035
Examining possible directions for U.S. assistance and their geopolitical consequences.
September 19, 2025
Commentary
Restraint Towards Iran Serves US Interests
The Trump administration risks undermining U.S. security if it follows Israel into war.
June 18, 2025
Video
Artificial Intelligence at the United Nations with Ambassador Christopher Lu
Amb. Lu discusses how his wide-ranging career led him to representing the United States at the United Nations.
June 2, 2025
Video
The Opening of Cuba with Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis
Amb. DeLaurentis details his part in the opening of Cuba and the consequences of the United States again cutting ties.
March 18, 2025
Video
Transforming the Relationship with Vietnam with Ambassador Ted Osius
Amb. Ted Osius discusses how connecting with people across Vietnam helped build ties with the country.
March 18, 2025
Video
The Tanker Wars with Ambassador Barbara Bodine
Amb. Bodine speaks about the effort to coordinate an international response to attacks on tankers in the Persian Gulf
March 18, 2025
Commentary
State Department Reform Under the Second Trump Administration
Experts outline insights to improve U.S. diplomacy and modernize State Department operations.
March 6, 2025
Policy Memo
Elevate Diplomacy in the Foreign Policy Toolkit
If the trend of increasing conflict is to be reversed, the United States needs an emboldened approach to diplomacy.
November 20, 2024
Report
Broken Pivot: Examining Changes to the U.S. Diplomatic Footprint in the Indo-Pacific
The United States has not invested in nor deployed the diplomatic resources necessary to advance its interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
November 14, 2024
Commentary
Domestic Engagement is Needed in State Department Modernization
More needs to be done by the State Department to connect with the American public to develop a broad constituency that supports its diplomatic efforts.
September 9, 2024
Policy Memo
Proposing a US Diplomatic Posture Review
The State Department needs a process to distribute its experts to the places they are needed most.
March 9, 2023
Commentary
Biden and the United Nations Security Council reform: true commitment or tokenism?
The US government will have to show concrete forms of commitment for its call for UNSC expansion to be credible.
October 5, 2022
Policy Memo
Engagement Reframed #8: How to avoid anarchy in space
Given the challenges of space and space governance, some degree of cooperation with China on civil space activities will almost certainly be necessary and need not compromise national security.
June 16, 2022
Policy Memo
Engagement Reframed #5: Deploy America’s secret diplomatic superstars
Washington has an opportunity to advance US diplomatic goals and commercial interests by bringing music to the world.
March 24, 2022
Policy Memo
Engagement Reframed #1: Vaccinate the world
The success of the mRNA vaccines gives the United States an opportunity to rebuild its soft power.
February 1, 2022
Policy Memo
Ensure US security sector assistance serves US interests and values
The U.S. should engage in a bolder type of security engagement that relies more on civilian participation, which will help to bolster the reform of security institutions.
August 4, 2021
Recent Publications
Sub-Projects
Events
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