New Directions for Democracy Promotion

Despite widespread skepticism about U.S. democracy promotion, democracies remain the most effective form of government to foster peace, internal stability, and social and economic development. To the extent that the war in Iraq has engendered disillusionment about democracy promotion, the American Academy of Diplomacy, the International Republican Institute (IRI), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and the Better World Campaign hosted a panel discussion on August 7 to explain why the core principles and concepts underlying democratic promotion should merit continued support by the next administration.
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Academy Welcomes Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates at
2008 Annual Meeting

The American Academy of Diplomacy hosted its 2008 annual meeting at The Cohen Group on May 14, 2008, and had the pleasure of welcoming Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates as the keynote speaker. Academy members, as well as leaders in business, nongovernmental organizations and the media discussed the importance of strengthening the institution of American diplomacy, America's foreign policy vis-à-vis Iran, and the implications of the militarization of foreign assistance efforts.
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Stability or Democratic Reform?
The Real World of NGOs and Diplomats in Democracy Promotion

Amidst the ongoing foreign policy challenges of extremism and regional instability, US efforts to encourage democratic reform abroad remain controversial, but little understood. Is it possible to balance both our strategic interests in stability with our national values? If we can, what are the diplomatic tools we have at our disposal to do so? The American Academy of Diplomacy, in partnership with the National Democratic Institute, the International Republican Institute, and the Minnesota International Center featured a panel discussion on April 28 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs to discuss the valuable tool of diplomatic engagement with civil society in promoting the institutions that support effective democratic governance.

This was the first in a series of Academy outreach events focused on encouraging a dialogue about the challenges and opportunities of promoting and sustaining democratic development abroad.
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About the Academy

The Academy was founded in 1983 by Ambassadors Ellsworth Bunker, U. Alexis Johnson, and John J. McCloy to explore ways in which persons who had served in positions of major responsibility could cooperate to promote the highest standards in the practice of American diplomacy. Today, the Academy is dedicated to strengthening the resources and tools America brings to managing its diplomatic challenges, and accomplishes this through outreach programs, lectures, awards, and writing competitions. In doing so, the Academy promotes an understanding of the importance of diplomacy to serving our nation and enhancing America’s standing in the world.

List of Academy Programs

A Domestic Crisis with Global Implications
Senate Subcommittee holds hearing on the human capital crisis in the State Department, featuring discussion of the Academy’s Foreign Affairs Budget Project
Read the testimony of Amb. Thomas Boyatt, and remarks of Amb. Ronald Neumann

Press Release:
AAD Urges presidential candidates to support high qualifications for Ambassadors

2008 Douglas Dillon Book Award

The deadline for submissions for the 2008 Douglas Dillon Book Award has passed. The winner will be announced to the public in the winter at the Academy's awards ceremony.

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Read the Academy's newly published 2007 Annual Report

Pressroom

Read the newly reprinted First Line of Defense

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