Kurt M. Campbell Deputy Secretary of State | Official Website
In October 2021, Secretary Antony J. Blinken introduced the Modernization Agenda, a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening American diplomacy and equipping the Department of State to address new challenges in international affairs. The agenda was developed through extensive consultations with various stakeholders and focuses on three main lines of effort: supporting critical missions, strengthening the workforce, and encouraging reasonable risk and innovation.
The Critical Missions line ensures that both the workforce and the Department are prepared for 21st-century diplomatic challenges. Initiatives include establishing the Office of China Coordination, also known as "China House," launching the Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy, creating an Office of Special Envoy for Critical and Emerging Technology, forming a Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy post-COVID-19, developing data tools for climate diplomacy, spearheading economic statecraft efforts like the CHIPS Act's ITSI Fund, increasing influence in multilateral systems by rejoining key institutions such as UNESCO, and appointing a Special Representative for City and State Diplomacy.
On workforce development, significant changes have been made to attract top talent across all hiring types. In Fall 2022, the Student Internship Program transitioned to paid internships to foster leadership among students from diverse backgrounds. Recruitment processes have become more accessible with virtual assessments. The congressionally mandated Lateral Entry Pilot Program (LEEP) began in 2024 to hire mid-career professionals crucial to U.S. foreign policy areas. Additionally, diversity initiatives were strengthened through strategic plans led by a Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer.
Risk management is emphasized under Risk and Innovation efforts which encourage agility within diplomatic practices. New embassies were established in Indo-Pacific regions swiftly; AI tools were introduced for efficiency; ORION platform improved crisis response capabilities; over one million Americans renewed passports online via OPR system—a modernization milestone enhancing government services.
Secretary Blinken's Modernization Agenda continues delivering on its goal—curating responsive foreign policies while maintaining representation from every corner nationwide among recruits who form this robust diplomatic corps today.
