America's Diplomats

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The Diplomatic Reception Rooms, U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

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Active Chapter Chapter 01/04

From the Beginning

Since the founding of the nation, diplomats have shaped American history. They secured support for independence, helped the country expand westward, and met the challenge of communism. Diplomats ensure this country continues to play a leading role in a globalized world. 

Explore moments of American diplomacy through captivating footage from the film America’s Diplomats.

From the Beginning

Since the founding of the nation, diplomats have shaped American history. They secured support for independence, helped the country expand westward, and met the challenge of communism. Diplomats ensure this country continues to play a leading role in a globalized world. 

Explore moments of American diplomacy through captivating footage from the film America’s Diplomats.

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Active Chapter Chapter 02/04

Improving & Saving Lives

Diplomats are leaders on the world stage, but their work is not well known – often occurring behind closed doors or in faraway places. 

The videos in this chapter illuminate the world of early twentieth-century American diplomacy. Through the stories of Fiorello La Guardia and Hiram Bingham, we begin to understand the role of diplomats and their impact.

Improving & Saving Lives

Diplomats are leaders on the world stage, but their work is not well known – often occurring behind closed doors or in faraway places. 

The videos in this chapter illuminate the world of early twentieth-century American diplomacy. Through the stories of Fiorello La Guardia and Hiram Bingham, we begin to understand the role of diplomats and their impact.

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Active Chapter Chapter 03/04

Facing Danger

Diplomacy is not easy. America’s diplomats work at all hours in embassies and consulates around the globe. They engage in highly complex societies and may find themselves in exposed, contentious, and dangerous situations.

Facing Danger

Diplomacy is not easy. America’s diplomats work at all hours in embassies and consulates around the globe. They engage in highly complex societies and may find themselves in exposed, contentious, and dangerous situations.

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Active Chapter Chapter 04/04

Having an Impact

Despite risks to their personal safety, the men and women serving as America’s diplomats continue to advance the interests of their country. 

The videos in this chapter expand our understanding of historical events by highlighting people’s experiences and their rationale for certain decisions. In each video, one thing is clear: the work of diplomacy has a profound impact.

Having an Impact

Despite risks to their personal safety, the men and women serving as America’s diplomats continue to advance the interests of their country. 

The videos in this chapter expand our understanding of historical events by highlighting people’s experiences and their rationale for certain decisions. In each video, one thing is clear: the work of diplomacy has a profound impact.

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01 / 04

Chapter 1 - From the Beginning

America's Diplomats

America’s diplomats, known as Foreign Service Officers, have played an essential role in the nation’s founding and prosperity. 

America’s Diplomats is a film by the Foreign Policy Association.

Chapter 2 - Improving & Saving Lives

Immigration Reform, 1903

Just 21-years old, Fiorello La Guardia made it his mission to address a policy that devastated immigrant families entering the U.S. at Ellis Island.

Refugee Crisis in Nazi-Occupied France, 1940-1941

In times of war, the Foreign Service works to protect civilians. During World War II, Hiram Bingham helped many people reach safety in America.

Chapter 3 - Facing Danger

The Iran Hostage Crisis, 1979-1981

For over one year, American diplomats were held captive in Iran. These 444 days are a reminder of the vulnerability of those who serve their country.

The men and women who serve in our embassies all around this world do hard work that is not always fully appreciated, and not even understood by many of their fellow Americans. Far from home, they endure hardships. Often at great risk.

William J. Clinton 42nd President of the United States

Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, 1998

U.S. embassies are the headquarters for the U.S. Government in a foreign country. An attack on an embassy is considered an attack on the country it represents. 

*This video contains sensitive content which some people may find offensive or disturbing.

Chapter 4 - Having an Impact

The End to Apartheid, 1994

South Africa was on the verge of civil war when Ed Perkins was appointed the U.S. Ambassador. As the new chief diplomat in the country, Perkins established friendships and supported change.

A Framework for Peace, 1995

Sometimes, a diplomat’s mission is to end a war. Richard Holbrooke did just this, finding a path toward peace and a resolution to civil war in Bosnia.

All the bombs at our disposal would not have ended that war.

Kati Marton Author and Journalist, Wife of Richard Holbrooke

Economic Diplomacy, 21st Century

When diplomacy is done right, “you can avoid many conflicts that arise because of the lack of trust, lack of access, and lack of respect for each other,” said Charles A. Ford, the former Commercial Minister to the EU.