UCLA

Black Americans hold a long tradition of civil activism in domestic politics and social change in the United States, while also sustaining a strong presence in international affairs. Throughout the 20th century, many African Americans joined the Department of State’s diplomatic corps, the U.S. Foreign Service, amidst racial injustice and discrimination at home. Black Americans, belonging to a historically marginalized group, can assert Black, American, or a combination of identities in diplomacy and global cooperative efforts. They deploy foundational expectations of diplomatic statecraft, but also, a Black Diplomacy, the legacy of representation and the unique tactics and approaches to foreign policy informed by racial identity and subjectivity. This thesis frames the concept of Black Diplomacy in a continuum of racialization and global governance and opens dialogue on the tensions, opportunities, or limitations that arise in identifying as both Black and Americans. I argue for a larger exploration on the diverse experiences of African American diplomats and whether their identities and perceptions may encourage a new departure for U.S. foreign policy formation and implementation.