Latest News
Oct 10, 2024
Press Release | The Academy Announces the 2024 Dillon Book Award Winner
In a statement issued on October 10, 2024, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced that the winner of the 2024 Douglas Dillon Book Award for a Book of Distinction on the Practice of American Diplomacy is Diplomats at War: Friendship and Betrayal on the Brink of the Vietnam Conflict by Charles Trueheart, published by University of Virginia Press.
Sep 9, 2024
Press Release | Academy Supports Immediate Extension of Overseas Comparability Pay
In a statement issued on September 9, 2024, the American Academy of Diplomacy urged Congress and the Administration to support the extension of the Overseas Comparability Pay (OCP) for diplomats posted overseas.
Jul 31, 2024
Press Release | Academy Endorses Fully Funding Our National Security Priorities Act
In a statement issued on July 31, 2024, the American Academy of Diplomacy endorsed the bipartisan Fully Funding Our National Security Priorities Act in the 118th Congress to require an annual report on the unfunded programs, activities, and mission requirements within the Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development.
Apr 3, 2024
Powering Up American Diplomacy in the 21st Century Event
On April 3, 2024, in partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Academy hosted a discussion with the Honorable Richard R. Verma, Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, on the low-cost, high-impact, and apolitical role that diplomacy and development play as pillars of national security.
Feb 20, 2024
Press Release | Academy Endorses Global Anti-Human Trafficking Enhancement Act
In a statement issued on February 24, 2024, the Academy announced its support for H.R.7089 - Global Anti-Human Trafficking Enhancement Act in the 118th Congress (2023-2024) to authorize Diplomatic Security Agents of the Department of State to investigate trafficking in persons violations domestically and abroad.
Feb 8, 2024
Successful Black History Month Program with the Thursday Luncheon Group
In partnership with the Thursday Luncheon Group, the Academy hosted a Black History Month Program on February 8th, 2024 titled, "Defenders of Democracy: Department of Defense, Department of State, and the Policy Advisors (POLAD) Program."
Oct 11, 2023
Press Release | The Academy Announces the 2023 Dillon Book Award Winner
In a statement issued on October 11, 2023, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced that the winner of the 2023 Douglas Dillon Book Award for a Book of Distinction on the Practice of American Diplomacy is Our Man In Tokyo: An American Ambassador and the Countdown to Pearl Harbor by Steve Kemper, published by Mariner Books.
Oct 6, 2023
Press Release | The Academy Endorses Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023
The American Academy of Diplomacy released a statement in support of H.R. 1273 (“Peace Corps Reauthorization Act of 2023″), which has been reintroduced in the 118th Congress on March 1, 2023 by Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee; Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), co-chair of the Congressional Peace Corps Caucus; and Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-AS).
Sep 29, 2023
Press Release | The Academy’s 2023 Ross Media Award Winners Announced
In a statement issued on September 29, 2023, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced the winners of the 2023 Arthur Ross Media Award. The Academy is recognizing two individuals who have dedicated their entire careers and made outstanding contributions to the coverage of diplomacy and foreign affairs. The 2023 Ross Media Awards go to: Michele Kelemen of NPR and Thomas L. Friedman of The New York Times.
Jul 20, 2023
Press Release | Academy Supports "GRATEFUL Act: Preserving U.S. Government Employee Abroad Immigrant Visa Program"
In a statement issued on July 20, 2023, the American Academy of Diplomacy shared their support for the "GRATEFUL Act: Preserving U.S. Government Employee Abroad Immigrant Visa Program," sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Thom Tillis (R-NC).
Jun 12, 2023
Another Successful Academy Annual Meeting
On June 12, 2023, the Academy once again welcomed over 90 Academy members to the luncheon, which featured keynote speaker Ambassador Marcia Bernicat, the State Department’s current Director General of the Foreign Service, who updated the Academy on several ongoing departmental modernization efforts. Academy chairman Thomas Shannon also gave remarks on the overall state of the Academy, and committee members presented updates on their work such as that of the Dillon Book Award and the success of the Academy’s programs.
Jun 2, 2023
Event on State Department Modernization
On May 31, in partnership with the Meridian International Center, the Academy held an event which explored the vision for a modernized diplomatic corps along with other areas of action as laid out in the recent Arizona State University report, Blueprints for a More Modern U.S. Diplomatic Service.
Apr 11, 2023
Revitalizing Commercial Diplomacy Conference
On April 11, 2023, in partnership with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the Academy engaged business leaders, representatives from State & Commerce, and former diplomats to discuss the challenges American Commercial Diplomacy continues to face today.
This event was part of the Academy's larger push for an “all of government” focus on commercial diplomacy that came out of the recommendations developed in the Cox-funded Academy reports on Support for American Jobs (Part I in 2016 and Part II in 2017). The program was supported by the Una Chapman Cox Foundation.
Dec 16, 2022
Press Release | AAD Applauds the Passage of the State Department Authorization Act
In a statement issued on December 16, 2022, the Academy praised bipartisan cooperation within both chambers of Congress that led to the passage of the State Department Authorization Act of 2022 within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY23.
Oct 27, 2022
Press Release | Academy Announces 2022 Dillon Book Award Winner
In a statement issued on October 27, 2022, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced the winner of the 2022 Douglas Dillon Book Award: Michael Krepon for Winning and Losing the Nuclear Peace: The Rise, Demise, and Revival of Arms Control.
Oct 27, 2022
Press Release | The Academy’s 2022 Ross Media Awards Recognize Reporting on Ukraine
In a statement issued on October 27, 2022, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced the winners of the 2022 Arthur Ross Media Award. This year, the Academy is recognizing the extraordinary reporting that has been done on the war in Ukraine.
Jun 17, 2022
Press Release | Academy Supports “Ambassador Oversight and Transparency Act”
In a statement issued on June 17, 2022, the American Academy of Diplomacy shared their support for the Ambassador Oversight and Transparency Act and commended Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) for introducing the bill.
Jan 6, 2022
Press Release | The Academy Welcomes Tom Shannon as the New Chairman of the Board of Directors
In a statement issued on January 6, 2022, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced that Ambassador Thomas A. Shannon, Jr. has succeeded Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Academy.
Dec 16, 2021
Press Release | Is It Finally Time to Get Serious About Conducting Foreign Policy?
In a statement issued on December 16, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy calls on the Administration and Congress urgently to fill the gaps in America’s senior foreign policy team in the interest of U.S. national security.
Nov 19, 2021
Press Release | Academy Endorses Congress Efforts to Get Diplomats Out of Fortress Embassies
In a statement issued on November 19, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy applauds the bipartisan effort in Congress to change the risk paradigm for U.S. diplomats and strongly endorses the bipartisan bill H.R. 6034 (“Diplomatic Support and Security Act of 2021”) and the parallel bipartisan Senate bill S.A. 4456.
Oct 21, 2021
Press Release | Academy Endorses the BEST Ambassadors Act
In a statement issued on October 21, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy endorsed the BEST Ambassadors Act introduced by Rep. Levin (D-MI) with Rep. Meijer (R-MI): “Appointing fully qualified ambassadors to represent America abroad is a high-priority national interest.”
Oct 20, 2021
Press Release | Academy Announces 2021 Ross Media Award Winners
In a statement issued on October 20, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced the winners of the 2021 Arthur Ross Media Award. In the Reporter Category: Kathy Gannon of The Associated Press and in the Columnist/Commentator Category: Ishaan Tharoor of The Washington Post.
Jun 21, 2021
Press Release | Statement on Diplomatic Diversity and Inclusion Progress in State and Congress – June 21, 2021
In a statement issued on June 21, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy commends the ongoing work to broaden and strengthen diversity and inclusion in America’s diplomatic service, noting progress in both the establishment of a senior level Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and the drafted Diversity and Inclusion at the Department of State Act.
May 10, 2021
Press Release | Academy Statement on proposed legislation H.R. 1934 – May 10, 2021
In a statement issued on May 10, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy issues its support of the proposed legislation H.R. 1934, “Promoting United States Leadership in 5G Act of 2021,” particularly with regards to its focus on enhancing U.S. role in
international standards-setting bodies.
Jan 13, 2021
Press Release | Changing the Risk Paradigm for U.S. Diplomats – January 13, 2021
In a statement issued on January 13, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy announces the release of their new report, Changing the Risk Paradigm for U.S. Diplomats, which suggests several changes to address the growing level of risk intolerance experienced in U.S. missions abroad.
Dec 21, 2020
Press Release | Alonzo Fulgham Appointed New Vice Chair for American Academy of Diplomacy – December 21, 2020
In a statement issued on December 21, 2020, the American Academy of Diplomacy announces that the Board of Directors has unanimously appointed the Honorable Alonzo Fulgham to replace Ambassador Marc Grossman as the Vice-Chair of the Academy.
Dec 1, 2020
Press Release | Academy Recommendations on State Department Diversity and Inclusion – December 1, 2020
In a statement issued on December 1, 2020, the American Academy of Diplomacy proposes that the State Department take the following specific steps to foster a climate of inclusion, increase accountability and transform the US diplomatic service to a more competitive service truly representing the nation.
Oct 30, 2020
Press Release | Announcing the 2020 Douglas Dillon Book Award Winners – October 30, 2020
In a statement issued on October 30, 2020, the American Academy of Diplomacy announces this year’s winners of the Douglas Dillon Book Award: Paul Richter for The Ambassadors: America’s Diplomats on the Front Lines and Elizabeth Shackelford for The Dissent Channel: American Diplomacy in a Dishonest Age.
Jul 13, 2020
Press Release | Letter Regarding Harassment of American Diplomats at U.S. Border Entry Points – July 13, 2020
In a statement issued on July 13, 2020, the American Academy of Diplomacy calls on the State Department to address the deeply troubling pattern in the mistreatment of Black, Hispanic and other minority officers crossing U.S. border and other entry points.