1. CHAPTER OVERVIEW

Title: Department of State (TL;DR Version)

Author: Kiron K. Skinner, Former Director of Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of State

Chapter 6 of “Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership” focuses on the Department of State, the agency responsible for conducting American diplomacy and representing the U.S. abroad. Authored by Kiron K. Skinner, a former Director of Policy Planning at the State Department under President Trump, the chapter argues that the department is plagued by a “left-wing” workforce resistant to conservative policies and operates with a sense of “independence” from the President. Skinner outlines a plan to “reforge” the department into a “lean and functional diplomatic machine” that serves the President’s agenda.

The chapter’s significance lies in its call for a radical transformation of the State Department, shifting it from a career-driven institution focused on diplomacy and multilateralism to a more ideologically driven and less diplomatic agency that prioritizes the President’s agenda. These proposals could have a destabilizing effect on international relations and undermine America’s global leadership, raising serious concerns among Democrats about the potential for a more confrontational and less cooperative approach to foreign policy.

2. KEY THEMES & FRAMEWORKS

  • Political Control: Skinner emphasizes the need for strong political leadership at the State Department and for staffing key positions with individuals who are aligned with the President’s ideology. This suggests a desire to politicize the foreign service and to prioritize loyalty over expertise and experience.
  • Confrontational Posture: The chapter advocates for a more confrontational approach to foreign policy, particularly with respect to China and Russia, suggesting a preference for using American power to assert dominance rather than engaging in diplomacy and cooperation.
  • Rejection of Multilateralism: Skinner criticizes international organizations and agreements that she believes erode U.S. sovereignty and calls for withdrawing from or defunding those organizations. This reflects a broader conservative skepticism towards multilateralism and a preference for unilateral action.
  • Promotion of Conservative Social Values: Skinner advocates for using U.S. foreign policy to promote conservative social values, such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage. This could alienate allies and partners who do not share those values and could undermine America’s moral standing in the world.
  • “America First” Foreign Policy: The chapter reflects an “America First” approach to foreign policy, prioritizing the interests of the United States over global cooperation or humanitarian concerns.

3. DETAILED BREAKDOWN

3.1 Introduction: A Department in Need of Reform (198)

  • Skinner argues that the State Department is in need of “fundamental reform” to make it more responsive to the President’s agenda and to address the challenges of the 21st century.
  • She criticizes the department’s “culture of resistance” to conservative policies and its “lack of accountability” to political leadership.
  • Quote: “The State Department has become a bastion of liberalism, resistant to change and out of touch with the priorities of the American people.”

3.2 The Problem: A “Left-Wing” Workforce (199)

  • Skinner argues that the State Department is dominated by a “left-wing” workforce that is hostile to conservative policies and that operates with a sense of “independence” from the President.
  • She criticizes the Foreign Service’s “up-or-out” promotion system, arguing that it rewards conformity and discourages dissent.
  • Quote: “The Foreign Service is a self-perpetuating elite that is more interested in protecting its own perks and privileges than in serving the interests of the American people.”

3.3 The Solution: Restoring Political Control (206)

  • Skinner outlines a plan to “reforge” the State Department by:
    • Appointing Loyalists: Appointing individuals who are aligned with the President’s ideology to key positions, including ambassadorships and assistant secretary positions.
    • Bypassing Senate Confirmation: Placing political appointees in acting roles even before they are confirmed by the Senate, potentially circumventing the Senate’s advice and consent role.
    • Restructuring the Department: Streamlining the department’s bureaucracy and eliminating or consolidating offices and programs that are not aligned with the President’s priorities.
    • Reforming the Foreign Service: Changing the Foreign Service’s promotion system to reward performance and loyalty, rather than conformity.

3.4 Foreign Policy Priorities (212)

  • Skinner outlines a number of foreign policy priorities for a conservative administration, including:
    • Countering China: Taking a more confrontational approach to China, including through trade sanctions, military buildups, and diplomatic pressure.
    • Confronting Russia: Challenging Russian aggression in Europe and elsewhere, while also seeking areas of cooperation.
    • Promoting “Sovereign Mexico”: Working with Mexico to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking, but also potentially intervening in Mexican affairs to restore “order.”
    • Rejecting Multilateralism: Withdrawing from or defunding international organizations and agreements that Skinner believes erode U.S. sovereignty.
    • Promoting Conservative Social Values: Using U.S. foreign policy to promote conservative social values, such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

3.5 Conclusion: A “Lean and Functional Diplomatic Machine” (227)

  • Skinner concludes by arguing that her recommendations are necessary to transform the State Department into a “lean and functional diplomatic machine” that serves the President’s agenda and advances American interests.
  • She claims that these reforms will “restore America’s global leadership” and “make the world a safer place.”

4. POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Appoint Loyalists: Appoint individuals who are aligned with the President’s ideology to key positions within the State Department. (206)
  • Bypass Senate Confirmation: Place political appointees in acting roles even before they are confirmed by the Senate. (206)
  • Restructure the Department: Streamline the department’s bureaucracy and eliminate or consolidate offices and programs that are not aligned with the President’s priorities. (206)
  • Reform the Foreign Service: Change the Foreign Service’s promotion system to reward performance and loyalty. (206)
  • Counter China: Take a more confrontational approach to China. (212)
  • Confront Russia: Challenge Russian aggression. (212)
  • Promote “Sovereign Mexico”: Work with Mexico to address illegal immigration and drug trafficking, but also potentially intervene in Mexican affairs. (217)
  • Reject Multilateralism: Withdraw from or defund international organizations and agreements that erode U.S. sovereignty. (224)
  • Promote Conservative Social Values: Use U.S. foreign policy to promote conservative social values. (225)

5. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES

  • Politicize the State Department: Transform the State Department into a more ideologically driven and less diplomatic agency that prioritizes the President’s agenda.
  • Assert American Power: Adopt a more confrontational approach to foreign policy, using American power to assert dominance and achieve national interests.
  • Promote Conservative Values: Use U.S. foreign policy to advance a conservative social agenda and promote traditional values.
  • Reduce Global Engagement: Reduce U.S. involvement in international organizations and agreements, prioritizing unilateral action and national sovereignty.
  • Counter China: Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to counter China’s growing economic and military power.

6. CROSS-REFERENCES

  • Agenda 47: The chapter’s emphasis on a confrontational foreign policy, rejecting multilateralism, and promoting conservative social values aligns with the broader goals outlined in Trump’s Agenda 47.
  • Project 2025, Chapter 4: This chapter, focusing on the Department of Defense, complements Chapter 6 by calling for increased military spending and a more assertive military posture.
  • Project 2025, Chapter 9: This chapter, focusing on the Agency for International Development, supports Chapter 6 by advocating for using foreign aid to promote conservative values and to counter Chinese influence.

7. POTENTIAL IMPACTS

  • Damaged Relationships with Allies: The chapter’s emphasis on a confrontational posture and the promotion of conservative social values could alienate allies and partners who do not share those views.
  • Undermining Diplomacy: The chapter’s focus on political control and the rejection of multilateralism could undermine the effectiveness of American diplomacy and weaken America’s ability to build consensus and solve global problems.
  • Increased Risk of Conflict: The chapter’s aggressive tone and its emphasis on using U.S. power to advance a partisan agenda could increase the risk of conflict with China, Russia, and other countries.
  • Damage to U.S. Global Standing: The chapter’s approach could damage America’s reputation in the world and undermine its moral leadership.

8. CRITICISMS & COUNTERARGUMENTS

  • Politicization of Foreign Policy: Critics might argue that the chapter’s emphasis on political control and ideological alignment would politicize foreign policy and undermine the professionalism and expertise of the State Department.
  • Undermining Diplomacy: Opponents might argue that the chapter’s confrontational approach and its rejection of multilateralism would damage America’s relationships with allies and make it more difficult to address global challenges.
  • Imposing Values on Others: Critics might argue that using U.S. foreign policy to promote conservative social values is inappropriate and could alienate partners and beneficiaries who do not share those values.

9. KEY QUOTES

  • “The State Department has become a bastion of liberalism, resistant to change and out of touch with the priorities of the American people.” (198) This quote reflects Skinner’s view of the State Department as a hostile entity in need of reform.
  • “The Foreign Service is a self-perpetuating elite that is more interested in protecting its own perks and privileges than in serving the interests of the American people.” (199) This quote reveals Skinner’s distrust of the Foreign Service and her desire to weaken its influence.
  • “The next conservative President must take swift and decisive steps to reforge the department into a lean and functional diplomatic machine that serves the President and, thereby, the American people.” (206) This quote highlights Skinner’s call for a radical transformation of the State Department.
  • “We must be prepared to use all instruments of American power—diplomatic, economic, and military—to advance our interests and to defend our values.” (212) This quote reflects the chapter’s confrontational approach to foreign policy.
  • “We should withdraw from or defund international organizations and agreements that erode U.S. sovereignty.” (224) This quote reveals the chapter’s rejection of multilateralism.

10. SUMMARY & SIGNIFICANCE

Chapter 6 of “Project 2025: Mandate for Leadership” outlines a plan to transform the State Department into a more ideologically driven and less diplomatic agency that prioritizes the President’s agenda over the expertise and experience of career diplomats. These proposals could have a destabilizing effect on international relations and undermine America’s global leadership, raising serious concerns among Democrats about the potential for a more confrontational and less cooperative approach to foreign policy.

This chapter, like Chapter 4, highlights the stark differences in worldview between conservatives and liberals on issues of foreign policy. The proposals outlined in this chapter could have a profound impact on the future of America’s role in the world, raising serious concerns among Democrats about the potential for a more unilateral and less cooperative approach to international relations.