Hoover InstitutionStanford University
American Diplomacy: The Vanguard of US Foreign Policy

Published September 30, 2025

Diplomacy has long been a cornerstone of American power—securing military alliances, opening global markets, gathering intelligence, and advancing US values abroad. Today, as authoritarian regimes expand their diplomatic reach, the United States faces the risk of ceding influence without firing a shot. Budget cuts to the State Department threaten America’s ability to compete, compromising national security and soft power. Reinvesting in a robust diplomatic corps is essential to preserving US leadership in a more contested world.

Check out more from Michael McFaul:

  • Read "To advance American Interests, the U.S. Needs More Diplomats, Not Less" by  Michael McFaul here.
  • Read "How to Arm Ukraine for Negotiations" by Michael McFaul here.
  • Listen to "Should Russia’s allies count on Moscow to support them?", a podcast with Michael McFaul here.
  • Read "Autocrats vs. Democrats", a book by Michael McFaul here.

Learn more about Michael McFaul here.

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The opinions expressed in this video are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Hoover Institution or Stanford University.

© 2025 by the Board of Trustees of Leland Stanford Junior University.

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Michael McFaul

Michael McFaul

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