US State Department Revamps Foreign Service Test Amid Controversy
State Dept. announces ‘reforms’ to foreign service test and inclusion of ‘America First’ curriculum for orientation

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The US State Department has announced significant changes to the foreign service test, focusing on eliminating diversity-related questions and introducing a curriculum aligned with the 'America First' policy. Critics express concern over the potential politicization of the diplomatic corps, following the dismissal of numerous experienced diplomats.
- 01The foreign service test will no longer include questions on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- 02The new curriculum emphasizes American history and foreign policy concepts.
- 03Critics warn about the risk of politicizing the selection process for diplomats.
- 04The changes follow the dismissal of nearly 250 foreign service officers last year.
- 05The State Department aims to recruit 'patriotic Americans' for diplomatic roles.
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On Wednesday, the US State Department announced reforms to the foreign service test, eliminating questions related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This move aligns with the Trump administration's 'America First' foreign policy framework. The State Department stated that applicants will now focus on American history, foreign policy concepts, and logical reasoning. Critics, including John Dinkelman, president of the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), have raised concerns about the potential politicization of the diplomatic corps, especially after the department dismissed nearly 250 foreign service officers last year. The revamped onboarding program will now include substantive content on diplomatic history and policy, with required readings from historical figures such as George Washington and John Quincy Adams. Dinkelman emphasized the need for experienced diplomats, warning that the focus on new, less experienced officers could compromise the quality of US diplomacy. The State Department's changes reflect a broader trend of aligning the agency with the current administration's priorities, raising questions about the future of diversity and inclusion in US diplomacy.
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These changes could affect the composition and effectiveness of the US diplomatic corps, potentially leading to a less diverse and experienced group of diplomats.
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