AAD and CAA Jointly Endorse GRATEFUL Act

In a joint statement issued on July 20, 2023, the American Academy of Diplomacy and the Council of American Ambassadors strongly support and urge rapid passage of S. 1887 – GRATEFUL Act: Preserving U.S. Government Employee Abroad Immigrant Visa Program. The act, sponsored by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), reallocates visa numbers to local staff abroad who are legally entitled to retirement in the U.S. and have been prevented from doing so due to bureaucratic barriers.

AAD Applauds the Passage of the State Department Authorization Act

In a statement issued on December 16, 2022, the American Academy of Diplomacy congratulates Congress on the passage of the State Department Authorization Act of 2022 within the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY23. In particular, the Academy praises the bipartisan cooperation and work by Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Chairman Senator Robert Menendez, SFRC ranking member Senator James Risch, House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) Chairman Gregory Meeks, ranking HFAC member Michael McCaul, as well as other members and staff of their committees.

Access the full Press Release here: AAD Applauds the Passage of the State Department Authorization Act

Academy Announces 2022 Dillon Book Award Winner

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. The 2022 Ross Media Awards go to the two individuals who have been reporting and commenting from Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict: Clarissa Ward of CNN and Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal. In addition, the Academy is presenting a special award for outstanding work to The Kyiv Independent.

Access the full Press Release here: The Academy’s 2022 Ross Media Awards Recognize Reporting on Ukraine

The 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.

Access the full Press Release here: The Academy Supports “Ambassador Oversight and Transparency Act”

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.

Access the full Press Release here: The Academy Welcomes Tom Shannon as the New Chairman of the Board of Directors

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.

Access the full Press Release here: Is It Finally Time to Get Serious About Conducting Foreign Policy?

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. 

Access the full Press Release here: Academy Endorses Congress Efforts to Get Diplomats Out of Fortress Embassies

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.”

Access the full Press Release here: Academy Endorses the BEST Ambassadors Act

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.

Access the full Press Release here: Academy Announces 2021 Ross Media Award Winners

Academy Announces 2021 Dillon Book Award Winner

In a statement issued on October 1, 2021, the American Academy of Diplomacy announced the winner of the 2021 Douglas Dillon Book Award: Rose Gottemoeller for Negotiating the New START Treaty. 

Access the full Press Release here: Academy Announces 2021 Dillon Book Award Winner

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.

Access the full Press Release here: AAD Statement on D&I Progress in State and Congress

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.

Access the full Press Release here: AAD Statement on proposed legislation H.R. 1934

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.

Access the full Press Release here: AAD Statement on the Academy’s Report on Risk Aversion at State

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.

Access the full Press Release here: AAD Statement on the Appointment of Alonzo Fulgham as Vice Chair