US Considers Major Shake-Up in Foreign Affairs Strategy
A major shift in how the United States handles global diplomacy may be on the horizon. According to a draft document under review, the U.S. is weighing sweeping changes that would significantly alter its presence in Africa and restructure various branches of its foreign service.
The document outlines a proposal to rework the structure of the State Department by the beginning of October. The focus? Efficiency, cost-cutting, and a realignment with what’s described internally as an “America First Strategic Doctrine.”
Rubio Dismisses Report, But Draft Reveals Deep Changes
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reacted swiftly to early media reports, claiming they were based on false information. “Fake news,” he wrote in a social media post. Yet, an internal draft obtained by AFP paints a different picture—one of drastic reorganization and redirected priorities.
If the draft is adopted, it would consolidate U.S. diplomatic missions into four major regional categories: Eurasia, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific. Noticeably missing from that list is Africa.
What Happens to Africa Affairs?
Under the proposal, the existing Africa Bureau would no longer exist. Instead, a newly created “Special Envoy Office for African Affairs” would take over responsibilities—but with one major twist: it would report directly to the National Security Council at the White House, bypassing the State Department entirely.
The document further suggests closing several U.S. embassies and consulates across Sub-Saharan Africa, keeping only those considered essential. Remaining operations would be streamlined under the direction of the special envoy.
More Than Just Embassies on the Line
Beyond diplomatic posts, the draft also suggests closing down offices that focus on key global issues like climate change and human rights. These departments would be removed entirely from the State Department’s structure, signaling a strong shift in foreign policy priorities.
Even U.S. relations with close neighbors could be impacted. The draft outlines a leaner approach to diplomatic engagement with Canada, calling for a smaller team and a scaled-down presence at the Ottawa embassy.
A Pattern of Redirection
This isn’t the first time such changes have been floated. Earlier discussions included plans to cut the State Department’s budget in half. Though none of these proposals have been officially confirmed, they reflect a broader movement to reexamine and potentially reshape how the U.S. interacts with the world.
While the administration has yet to publicly comment on the draft, the whispers around Washington suggest that something significant could be unfolding behind closed doors. Whether this signals a bold new chapter in U.S. foreign policy—or an internal debate still far from settled—remains to be seen.
