The Impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Policies on U.S. Diplomacy

The Biden administration’s focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has instigated significant changes within American diplomacy. The U.S. State Department has actively implemented these policies, leading to questions about their effectiveness in advancing U.S. national interests abroad.

Understanding DEI: Concepts and Controversies

DEI encompasses three critical components:

• Diversity: Natural variation in representation based on individual merit.
• Equity: A term that traditionally denotes fairness but has evolved under leftist interpretations to mean “equal outcomes.”
• Inclusion: Efforts to involve diverse groups, though its precise meaning often lacks clarity.

While the premise of diversity is widely accepted, the equity component has become contentious. Proponents argue that equity requires intervention to ensure equal outcomes, a departure from the traditional definitions of fairness and equal opportunity.

The Consequences of DEI Policies at Home

Critics argue that the approach to achieving diversity at the State Department compromises standards. Evidence suggests that systemic bias against underrepresented minorities does not exist within the Department; rather, educational shortcomings contribute to a lack of diversity in potential recruits. Research indicates that:

• Only 30% of U.S. eighth graders are proficient in reading.
• None of the 67 schools in Illinois achieved proficiency in math in 2023.

These statistics suggest that a failure in education, rather than biased hiring practices, is responsible for the limited diverse talent pool available for competitive roles in government.

Impact on Foreign Policy

The Biden administration’s approach has shifted the focus of American foreign policy. For instance, the State Department’s Equity Action Plan emphasizes ‘equity’ more than ‘equality,’ appearing 113 times in official texts compared to only seven for ‘equality.’ This has led to the promotion of various ideologies through diplomatic initiatives.

Policy Examples and Diplomatic Effectiveness

Specific initiatives, such as promoting gender and sexuality rights in countries like India and Ecuador, have raised eyebrows regarding their focus. Critics question whether these efforts enhance diplomatic effectiveness or instead detract from core U.S. values and interests. A notable inquiry raised during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing asked whether DEI implementations had improved the State Department’s diplomatic success, to which the response was a resounding no.

Conclusion

In redefining core principles, the State Department must prioritize equal opportunity and high standards. As the U.S. navigates an increasingly complex global landscape, a return to traditionally understood values could be crucial for reclaiming effectiveness in diplomacy.

For a deeper dive into the implications of these policies, please refer to Heritage Foundation reports.