Since February 8, President Clinton has appointed nine foreign ambassadors. The countries included in these appointments are Bolivia, Guyana, Suriname, Australia, Bangladesh, Poland, Kyrgz Republic, Mongolia, and Laos. These individuals have degrees from Yale, Harvard, the University of Alaska, Emory, George Washington University and several others (U.S. Newswire). In some cases, these individuals can speak as many as five different languages. There seems to be a very real public perception that ambassador's role in other countries is more ceremonial than a reflection of America's foreign objectives. The perception is that this group of individuals and their appointments are a remnant of the Jacksonian spoils system.
On February 10, Clinton made a statement on embassy security initiatives and increasing their funding. Not only a simple increase, but a doubling of the federal funding of embassies abroad. More than $1.1 billion will be included in the 2001 budget to reduce further loss
The international climate and the United States role in directing and shaping what it considers to be worthy of intervention are vital to the evolution of the Foreign Service. The text discusses the "old boy network" (Rosati 162) that used to be present in this part of America's growing bureaucracy. One's class and background used to be the sole criteria for entrance into the foreign service, but one only gains acceptance into this program through a demanding merit system and rigorous exams, now. Service abroad increases one's chances of advancement and ultimately more exotic assignments. The honor of becoming a foreign diplomat is considerable to the members of the Foreign Service and increased appointments from within may represent a trend in policy. No longer is diplomacy a gift for the wealthy political contributors, but a job for those with the experience and education to get the job done. Animosity towards America's interventionist policy will lead to increased staff and representation abroad or will eventually c
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