THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2026 71 AFSA NEWS The entire report was released publicly on December 3, 2025. AFSA’s survey findings make clear that the U.S. Foreign Service is in crisis. To restore its effectiveness and protect independence, AFSA urges Congress to: • Protect the Nonpartisan Career Foreign Service: Reaffirm that career diplomats serve under presidents of either party and they must be able to offer their expertise shielded from political retaliation including reassignment or dismissal for political reasons. • Reassert Congressional Oversight: Ensure transparency and accountability in executive actions affecting the Foreign Service and foreign policy institutions; exercise oversight of organizational and policy processes. • Strengthen and Modernize the Foreign Service: Partner with AFSA on reforms that enhance training, leadership, and adaptability while safeguarding professionalism and integrity to meet 21st-century challenges. These steps are essential to restore trust, morale, and the institutional foundations of U.S. diplomacy. Eroding Capacity AFSA’s 2025 survey reveals a Foreign Service workforce struggling to fulfill its mission amid unprecedented political and budgetary pressures. Across the board, career diplomats report that the conditions necessary for effective U.S. diplomacy are rapidly eroding. An overwhelming 86 percent of respondents said that recent changes have negatively affected their ability to implement the Global Survey, continued from page 61 foreign policy of the United States. Only 1 percent reported any improvement. Additionally, nearly 75 percent said their overall ability to do their jobs has been affected “a great deal” or “a lot,” with another 20 percent describing a “moderate” impact. Taken together, more than 90 percent of U.S. diplomats say their work has been disrupted—both by political interference and deep cuts to budgets and staffing. The effects are being felt in every corner of U.S. diplomacy: 78 percent of respondents reported operating under reduced budgets; 64 percent said key projects and initiatives are being delayed or suspended; 61 percent are managing significantly heavier workloads due to staffing losses; and 46 percent report new obstacles in negotiating with foreign counterparts. These challenges stem from diminished credibility, shifting directives, and resource shortfalls. Respondents identified several core areas of U.S. foreign policy in which capacity has been especially weakened: development and humanitarian assistance (59 percent); public diplomacy (56 percent); national foreign policy priorities (52 percent); and economic and trade promotion (37 percent). These are the pillars of U.S. global engagement, each weakened by the constraints now facing the diplomatic workforce. A Workforce in Freefall Among our survey respondents, an alarming 98 percent reported somewhat or significantly reduced morale in the workplace since January. Additionally, one-third reported that they have considered leaving the Service early since January. Among those who are considering leaving the Service, 75 percent cited declining workplace morale; 59 percent cited the loss of workplace protections or benefits; 56 percent noted reduced resources to do their jobs; and 54 percent cited negative political influence at work.
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