The Trump administration has led to a significant breakdown in US diplomacy, with over half of ambassadorial positions vacant and a reliance on informal channels for international communication. This shift has raised concerns among global allies about the unpredictability of US foreign policy and its potential impact on global stability.

• 01Over 100 of the 195 US ambassadorial posts are currently vacant, leading to a diminished diplomatic presence.
• 02The Trump administration has sidelined career diplomats, with only 9% of new ambassadorial appointees being career diplomats, a sharp decline from historical norms.
• 03Countries like South Korea and Japan have adapted by establishing unconventional communication routes with the White House, bypassing traditional diplomatic channels.
• 04The National Security Council has seen significant staff reductions, leading to a lack of formal guidance on critical issues like the Ukraine war.
• 05European allies have adopted a strategy of restraint in response to Trump's threats, often opting for silence over confrontation.

The reduction in diplomatic staff and reliance on informal channels may lead to miscommunication and instability in international relations.