Role of the Us Department of State - Coursework Example

Introduction

Would you like to like to help transform the world as you learn new languages, travel to exotic places and interact with people from diverse cultures? The U.S. Department of State is the place to be. With an assortment of career paths that range from civil service to foreign affairs, prospective employees are likely to make the most of their professional capacity both nationally and internationally.

The United States Department of State (DoS) is the division responsible for advising the President and leading the nation in matters of foreign policy. The DoS negotiates agreements and treaties with foreign nations, while representing the U.S. at the United Nations (U.N.). Even though the country’s Congress and Executive Branch are responsible for formulation of the U.S. foreign policy, the State Department, which operates within the realm of the Executive Branch, serves as the lead foreign matters agency. The department oversees implementation of the foreign policy in an effort to promote the country’s interests in the global political environment. In addition, it provides a wide range of services to American citizens and to foreigners seeking visitation or immigration to the country (Department of State, 2017a).

This chapter explores in detail the mission of the U.S. Department of State, its history/development to its present state, and its organizational structure. Other aspects examined include the department’s budgetary allotment, in the past, presently, and in future, based on available projections. The chapter further assesses current issues, challenges, and debates associated with the Department of State. Most importantly, it provides insight into available careers and the processes likely to enable potential job applicants rise through its ranks.

U.S. Department of State Overview

Mission

The U.S. Department of State’s mission is to advance the United States’ and its people’s national interests by creating a secure, representative, and successful political environment for the benefit of Americans and the global community.

History, Culture and Evolution

Leaders of the Revolutionary War acknowledged the significance of foreign affairs in their agitation for American Independence. As a result, the Continental Congress appointed Benjamin Franklin as America’s first diplomat, deploying him to France. His diplomacy was pertinent to garnering support for Americans’ cause in pursuit of autonomy. Following the Paris Treaty of 1783 that effectively brought the Revolutionary War to an end, in 1784 Congress formed the Department of Foreign Affairs. In July of the subsequent year, the incumbent president, George Washington signed into law legislation that bolstered creation of this department (U.S. Diplomacy, 2007).

On 15th September 1789, Congress instituted several additional responsibilities, integrating them into the Department’s portfolio. Some of the extra obligations were overseeing the country’s census, the patent office, the mint, and the U.S. seal. This prompted the change of the agency’s name to its current one. Under the newly sanctioned constitution, questions emerged about who would bear authority in foreign affairs. Concerns were accentuated by escalating tensions between the U.S. and France in the 1790s, prompting the President and Congress to ponder over the alarming possibility of unauthorized people forcing the U.S. government into actions or situations it may not sanction. The Logan Act, passed into law in 1799, stressed that only individuals that received official approval and mandate from the president or his representatives, such as the secretary of state, could conduct diplomatic activities on behalf of the U.S. At this point, only ministers and ambassadors received instructions and credentials from the president. This implies that the Logan Act essentially consolidated foreign matters authority with U.S. ambassadors (Tedford, 2010).

In the course of the 19th century, several federal agencies entered the foreign realm, but interagency interactions and processes remained considerably informal. The informal organization was made possible by the fact that the State Department shared facilities with the Navy and Departments of War, making coordination relatively easy. However, the department progressively focused on managing the expansion of U.S. diplomatic associations and spread of U.S. commerce throughout the world (Office of the Historian, 2017).

The DoS progress has seen a considerable increase in the number of American commercial agents, embassies, and other diplomatic agencies throughout the world in the 20th and 21st centuries. In the 20th century, particularly after the first and second World Wars, the United States emerged as a global power. In the later part of the century, new challenges stemmed from the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union (Office of the Historian, 2017). These developments brought about global concerns like formation of newly autonomous nations, continued interconnectivity of global economies and emergence of terrorism as a worldwide threat. In order to address these evolving global circumstances, the DoS grew significantly in terms of the number of employees locally and overseas. For instance, while the DoS had 1,228 workers in 1900s, this number grew to 15,751 in 2000. Another example of this continued growth is evident from an increase in diplomatic posts from 41 in the 1900s, 168 in 2004 to 250 presently (Office of the Historian, 2017). The department has also continually invested in the security of American facilities abroad. Another notable development at the DoS has been the adoption of e-diplomacy, as the department continually embraces the use of ICT infrastructure to support its operations (Hanson, 2012).

Structure and Primary Subunits

The organization structure of the DoS is characterized by the Secretary of State at the apex, while the deputies and undersecretaries oversee designated bureaus. These undersecretaries oversee the Department’s constituent bureaus and offices that handle diverse policy initiatives and interests. Each DoS bureau deals with issues ranging from fundamental human rights to climate change. Some bureaus are functional, in that they deal with specific external concerns or internal obligations like the Bureau of Administration, the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs as well as the Bureau for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Others are regional in nature, since they are responsible for broad-spanning issues. Examples of the latter include the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and the Bureau of African Affairs (Department of State, 2017c).

For greater insight into the organizational structure and functioning of the DoS, it is important to understand the distinctive areas administered by the various undersecretaries and assistant secretaries. For instance, the Undersecretary for Political Affairs oversees matters concerning foreign political matters. Component areas include African Affairs, South and Central Asian Affairs, Europeans and Eurasian Affairs, and International organizations, amongst others. There is also the Undersecretary for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment, who superintends Economic and Business Affairs, Energy Resources, Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, as well as the Office of the Chief Economist (Department of State, 2017c).

Another key bureau of the State Department is the Arms Control and International Security Affairs, under which are subunits like Arms Control, Verification, and Compliance, International Security and Nonproliferation, and Political-Military Affairs. The DoS further comprises of the bureau of Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, with subsections such as Education and Cultural Affairs, International Information Programs, and Public Affairs. Other undersecretaries manage subdivisions like Management and Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights (Department of State, 2017c). The Management subsector is responsible for administrative matters, consular affairs, budgeting and planning. On the other hand the Civilian-focused section addresses concerns such as conflict and stabilization, counterterrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, as well as democracy and human rights, among other related activities.

There are key staff members in the State Department that cannot be overlooked. These individuals, also under supervision of the Secretary of State, include: the Intelligence and Research Assistant Secretary; Legislative Affairs Assistant Secretary; Legal Advisor that administrates the Office of the Legal Advisor; Inspector General responsible for a similarly named office; and an ambassador manning the Office of the Chief of Protocol. Also critical to fulfillment of the department’s mandate are Special Envoys and Representatives, Ambassadors-At-Large Responsible for Women’s Issues and Health Diplomacy, and finally, the Director for the Office of Civil Rights (Department of State, 2017c). All these subunits and their respective superintendents work in unison to make sure that the departments function in a smooth manner to meet its broad range of responsibilities.

Budget

All the activities of the State Department are financially backed by the foreign matters budget which is vital to maintenance of U.S. leadership. This budget is critical to sustaining the U.S. leadership, which fosters and safeguards the interests of American citizens by:

• Proactively advocating for peace and political steadiness in areas of critical interest;
• Creating job opportunities at by opening foreign markets;
• Enabling developing countries to create steady economic environs, which provide export and investment opportunities;
• Unifying countries in order to deal with global challenges like pollution that traverses borders, spread of infectious diseases, nuclear smuggling, humanitarian predicaments, and terrorism among others.

The annual budget for the State Department has varied from one year to another since the agency’s inception. From recent records, it is apparent that the estimated annual budget as of 2017 is $47.4 billion, with approximately $26.5 billion allotted to the State and about $21.0 billion for foreign aid (DoSFORP, 2017). In 2015, this amount was approximately $46.2 billion, apportioned to USAID, national security promotion undertakings, international peacekeeping and public diplomacy, amongst other areas (DoSFORP, 2015). These figures are indicative of a gradually increasing budget which could potentially rise in the future. Global politics will become even more complex, warranting greater investment in foreign policy development, political relations, and diplomatic efforts.

Current issues, Debates and Challenges

In the contemporary political environment, some of the department’s primary responsibilities are to counter terrorism, safeguard U.S. interests in foreign countries, and execute foreign policy provisions. At the same time, the department wields the mandate of enabling the U.S. to play a role in creating a secure and successful world. Nonetheless, the most outstanding issues presently include: terrorism, global warming and climate change. Others are the DoS staffing crisis, drug and human trafficking, cyber insecurity, and refugee problems. These issues instigate emotive debates and controversy owing to differences in the manner in which various countries deal with them. They are also arduous due to numerous bureaucratic impediments when the U.S. attempts to resolve them amicably.

We can best understand these issues by exploring the specific matter and the DoS bureau responsible for dealing with it. First is the problem of terrorism and violent extremism. Since the infamous 9/11 attacks, these problems have persisted, as characterized by numerous incidents around the world (Gilsinan, 2016). Radical Islam continues to spread and perpetuate terrorism, as shown by terror groups like the Al Qaeda, Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS), and the Taliban, amongst others. The DoS has been at the forefront in the effort to counter these threats via the Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism. The bureau is taking the lead in formulating coordinated strategies to overcome terrorism abroad and to secure counterterrorism support from other like-minded international partners (Murray & Blannin, 2017).

In regard to the environment and climate, industrial-scale pollution and accompanying global warming have been predominant problems. Even after reaching agreements such as the Paris Climate deal, wrangles still emerge. For example, in the most recent, U.S. President Trump threatened to withdraw from the deal, prompting other countries to question the country’s commitment to countering these environmental problems. Nonetheless, the State Department still makes efforts to advance strategic interests via policy aimed at making sure that economic growth does not compromise the planet’s well-being. It pursues this objective through the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. In addition to addressing environmental issues from a foreign policy perspective, this bureau focuses on other matters like building global consensus around matters like countering wildlife poaching, unsanctioned fishing, conserving nature, and fighting diseases, among other crucial subjects (Department of State, 2017a).

Another challenge presently faced by the Department of State is the rampant trafficking of drugs and cross-border crime. The DoS through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is striving fulfill its mandate of keeping Americans safe by combating instability abroad, illegal entry of drugs, and international crime (Department of State, 2017a). Even though enabling countries foster fairness and deliver justice by bolstering their police, correction systems and courts, could reduce illegal drugs and criminal activities that reach the country, the challenges persist perhaps due to bureaucratic constraints.

The Department of State is currently in a senior official staffing crisis, as revealed by the dismissal of a large portion of its workforce and the fact that key positions remain vacant (Daponte-Smith, 2017). The effect of this staff vacuum at the center of American foreign policymaking is drastic. This is because intricate interactive communication within the government is crucial in policy formulation. Without such interaction between the DoS, the Pentagon, and the White House, among other important governmental entities, the delicate process of policy development and implementation suffers significant setback. 

Also challenging is the issue of cyber insecurity, which continues to grow in an advancing and increasingly interconnected global environment. In cooperation with other nations, the DoS is heading the U.S. administration’s undertakings to promote unrestricted, interactive, secure, and dependable information and communications structure. This ICT infrastructure is meant to offer necessary support to global trade, innovation, and free expression, while strengthening international security (Hanson, 2012).

The final challenge addressed in this case and one that is manifest in the current global political environment is the issue of refugees. Owing to conflicts around the world -especially in Syria and Libya among other volatile areas- people have been displaced in droves. It is the responsibility of the DoS through the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration to provide assistance and viable solutions for refugees, war victims, and people without countries throughout the world. The bureau, in collaboration with other departments, achieves this through refugee repatriation, integration, and efficient resettlement in the U.S. (Department of State, 2017a)

Career paths and accessions process

The U.S. Department of State provides a wide array of career paths in diplomacy. These include foreign embassy postings or consulate missions throughout the globe, as well as office jobs in passport agencies, logistics, overseas press centers, and fiscal service centers, among others (Department of State, 2017b). All these require relevant expertise in achieving the stipulated mission.

As the lead foreign affairs agency, the Department of State bears the primary responsibility in:

• Heading interagency organization in formulating and executing foreign policy;
• Management of the foreign affairs financial plan and other related resources;
• Governing U.S. representation overseas, communicating the country’s foreign policy to recipient administrations and transnational organizations via U.S. consulates in countries abroad, diplomatic missions to globally-oriented organizations, and embassies;
• Carrying out negotiations and closing treaties and agreements on matters that range from commerce to nuclear capabilities;
• Synchronizing and supporting intercontinental activities of other American officials and agencies.

Given the preceding broad array of State Department obligations, the jobs availed by the department are equally diverse. These job opportunities and their accompanying requirements include:

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs)

Foreign Service Officers usually deal with various constantly changing issues. These may be consular services like screening U.S. visa applicants and provision of visas after successful application. These officers could also be assigned to political initiatives like election observations in foreign countries, and reporting on important issues like technology, human rights, fair trade, and HIV/AIDS. Overall, such officers could work in five key career paths namely public diplomacy, political, consular, management, and economic matters. Potential candidates should have qualifications in the respective fields (Department of State, 2017b).

Consular Fellows

A consular fellow is a job position that allows an individual to work in consulates and U.S. embassies overseas. These fellows work with foreign citizens that are seeking transfer to the U.S. They also help U.S. citizens living abroad or travelling to foreign countries. In addition to requisite academic qualifications, candidates are better poised for the position if they are proficient in Arabic, Portuguese, Chinese Mandarin, and Spanish (Department of State, 2017b).

Foreign Service Specialists

Just as the name suggests, this job post requires individuals that have specialized in diverse professional fields. These individuals are crucial to the day to day operations of U.S. consulates and embassies abroad (Department of State, 2017b). For instance, some are responsible for the security of U.S. infrastructure, technology, and staff members in these U.S. facilities. The DoS requires specific skills in technical, finance and other auxiliary services. The principal specialist jobs include construction engineering, information technology, law enforcement and security, office management, administration, medical and health, facility management, and international information and language programs.

Civil Service Employees

There are job opportunities at the DoS as civil employees. This implies that individuals get to work locally while still supporting the successful development and execution of the U.S. foreign policy. Professionals in civil service work on a wide range of activities including improving business opportunities for American businesses, helping Americans adopt kids from abroad, and monitoring human rights matters. Potential job positions under this category include budget management, procurement of contracts, foreign affairs, management analysis, public affairs, legal counsel, general financial accounting and management, IT management, passport and visa services, human resources management, foreign language training, as well as professional cross-cultural training of individuals consular or embassy jobs.

Conclusion

The U.S. Department of State plays a significant role not just in safeguarding the interests of Americans locally, but also shaping and influencing America’s relations with foreign entities. As a result, the Department offers a wide array of distinctive and innovative job opportunities for potential candidates, who want to work either domestically or in foreign nations. This is apparent from the wide range of civil service positions and others in U.S. consulates and embassies overseas. Additionally, being part of the State Department enables individuals to become a part of shaping history, since it is at the forefront in working with foreign countries and entities to pave way for collective resolution of universal challenges.

As a DoS employee, one is likely to have a unique chance to gain practical insight into the country’s diplomacy and foreign policy, while taking advantage of exciting career avenues. There are job opportunities to keep individuals constantly challenged. In addition those privileged to work with the State Department will continually learn novel global issues, languages, and cultures at large. The fact that the global-politics arena is dynamic and continuously evolving, getting a job at this department initiates a lifetime learning process that many would find exhilarating.