Diplomacy in Crisis: How Political Appointments Undermine US Foreign Policy
In Iran, as elsewhere, the United States is entering negotiations with a diplomatic system that has become dysfunctional. The recent failure of talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan this weekend has sparked renewed calls from world capitals for a sustainable solution to the conflict in the Middle East, urging all parties to maintain dialogue and negotiations. However, Washington faces a particularly challenging landscape, operating with a diplomatic system severely hampered since Donald Trump’s return to power.
The core of the problem lies in the numerous partisan appointments orchestrated by the President and, crucially, a deep-seated distrust of career diplomats who previously formed the backbone of this vast network of collaboration and influence. This new framework isn’t strengthening US relationships with allies or resolving international crises; instead, it’s exacerbating divisions, creating new ones, and fostering communication breakdowns.
“Donald Trump still doesn’t understand that diplomacy is the art of negotiation, not insult,” says Erik Goldstein, a specialist in international relations. Senator Mark Kelly echoed this sentiment at the National Action Network conference in New York, stating, “You can’t send two real estate promoters to negotiate peace,” referring to the presence of special envoy Steve Witkoff and the President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, alongside Vice President J.D. Vance in Pakistan. Twenty-one hours of discussions with Iranian emissaries yielded no agreement to end the conflict.
A Shift Towards Partisan Appointments
The trend towards partisan appointments has been alarming. According to a recent analysis by Amy Stambach, professor of anthropology and international studies at the University of Wisconsin, these appointments have risen to approximately 90% since the beginning of Trump’s second term. This is a significant increase from around 40% during the Biden presidency and Trump’s first term (as reported in The Hill).
“In terms of diplomacy, Donald Trump decided to prioritize ideological loyalty over professional competence and openly disdained career diplomats,” explains Goldstein. “The problem is that these individuals often engage in behaviors that contradict established diplomatic norms, severely undermining their effectiveness and, consequently, American diplomacy as a whole.”
Former US Ambassador to Finland, Derek Shearer, highlights the impact of this shift: “Donald Trump’s political appointments reflect his worldview and approach to negotiations and relationships.” He adds that ambassadors in France, Belgium, Poland, South Africa, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and other countries were chosen for their loyalty to Trump, rather than their representation of the United States. “They harass, lecture host countries, interfere in local politics, and promote Trump’s policies in local media. This ‘Trump diplomacy’ is often considered offensive, insulting, and detrimental to harmonious relations with the United States.”
Diplomatic Incidents and International Repercussions
The consequences of this approach are becoming increasingly evident. In February, France revoked direct access for US Ambassador Charles Kushner to French government members after he publicly fueled political radicalization following the death of a far-right activist in Lyon. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the importance of respecting basic diplomatic protocols and responding to Foreign Ministry summons.
Similar incidents have occurred in Poland, where Ambassador Tom Rose sparked outrage after accusing the Parliament Speaker of making “gratuitous insults” towards the US President. And in Belgium, Ambassador Bill White faced criticism for accusing the country of antisemitism for refusing to suspend a judicial investigation into circumcisions within the Jewish community of Antwerp.
The situation reached a new low with the President’s recent insults directed at Pope Leon XIV after the Pontiff denounced the war in Iran and called for peace. The President’s social media post, stating “Pope Leon is WEAK on crime, and a disaster on foreign policy,” underscores a complete disregard for diplomatic norms.
“All these undiplomatic behaviors harm the image of the United States around the world,” says Shearer. “A country gains influence through attraction, not confrontation.” Goldstein concludes, “Unfortunately, Donald Trump seems indifferent to these consequences, as he believes only in brute force. His national security team supports this same worldview where might makes right, and this is a dangerous approach that is currently exposing its grave consequences on the global system.”
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