Diplomacy and Engagement – at home

Engagement may be a new buzzword that has reached the State Department. It is often used as a term that signifies some of their strategies to reach foreign publics. Last week, on his first major speech, secretary of state John Kerry set out to engage citizens back home instead, in a push to strengthen American ambitions abroad. This reminded me of some of the readings a few weeks back about the domestic aspect of PD.

Secretary Kerry delivered the speech  at the University of Virginia, ahead of his first trip overseas. This symbolic move – as a newly appointed Secretary of State speaking first to the American public – aimed to emphasize the role of American citizens in Diplomacy.

The American public’s interest in foreign affairs, in recent decades, has dropped to worrisome levels. Some argue that this has always been the case within American society, but Kerry’s words were an attempt to begin to turn it around by hitting Americans where it hurts: the economy.

The average American may not normally make a direct connection between the State Department and job creation, but that’s what former senator Kerry brought out in his speech. This parallel stresses the importance of investing in a robust foreign policy apparatus that, as two wars come to an end, can expand its focus to other areas.

At a time where the economy is slumping and budget wars may ensue, his argument makes a lot of sense by trying to get ahead of events.

But regardless of timing, in an age where U.S. embassies around the world engage foreign publics through social media platforms, among many other avenues, diplomacy cannot forget to pursue such a connection at home too.

Changes in society impact foreign policy. Diplomats – and public diplomats, as well – need to be attuned to the evolutions in the society they are based on if they want to be at all successful.