THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JULY-AUGUST 2026 25 Over the past year, the NSC has undergone a significant reduction in expertise, staff, and responsibility. Here’s why that matters. BY KELLY ADAMS-SMITH Kelly Adams-Smith retired from the Senior Foreign Service in 2026 after a 28-year State Department career. From 2011 to 2013, she served as deputy executive secretary of the National Security Council, where she managed the interagency policy process. She is currently an adjunct professorial lecturer at American University and serves on the FSJ Editorial Board. A National Security Council Out of Balance The Pentagon announces the review of a strategic military partnership with Australia and the United Kingdom, surprising the State Department, Congress, and foreign partners. The Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) shuts down airspace over El Paso in response to uncoordinated deployment of new anti-drone technology by the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon. Thousands of frustrated Americans scramble to leave the Middle East after the United States and Israel launch Operation Epic Fury in Iran. U.S. officials offer multiple conflicting responses when asked about the strategy and ultimate aims of this war. These missteps in early 2026 could all have been avoided with a rigorous interagency policy process coordinated by the National Security Council (NSC). Yet over the past year, the NSC has undergone a significant reduction in expertise, staff, and responsibility. The regular battle rhythm of interagency meetings has decelerated. And the national security adviser, Marco Rubio, serves double duty as Secretary of State, a dual-role structure not seen since the 1970s. Senior administration officials have brushed aside concerns about the current state of the NSC by suggesting FOCUS ON THE U.S. IN THE WORLD AT 250
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