Delays in confirming United States Ambassadors are weakening Washington’s global influence and creating opportunities for China and Russia to expand their diplomatic presence, the American Legion’s National Security Commission has warned.
The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) reported that 92 of the United States’ 196 ambassadorial positions were vacant as of 1 October, leaving more than 100 embassies without a Senate-confirmed ambassador, according to the organisation.
The vacancies include diplomatic missions in countries with longstanding ties to Washington, as well as conflict-affected regions where competition for political influence with China and Russia has intensified.
The Lowy Institute’s 2024 Global Diplomacy Index found that China had more diplomatic posts than the United States in several regions, including Africa, the Pacific Islands, East Asia and Central Asia.
China maintained 60 diplomatic posts in Africa compared with 56 for the United States, nine in the Pacific Islands compared with eight, 44 in East Asia compared with 27, and seven in Central Asia compared with six.
The figures highlight growing competition for diplomatic influence as Washington faces delays in filling senior diplomatic positions.
James Grenier, chairman of the American Legion National Security Commission, said the vacancies could prompt U.S allies to seek stronger support from other powers.
“We know (they) are engaged in increasingly aggressive operations through transnational repression, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns and election interference, often coordinated through their diplomatic missions,” Grenier said.
“Both countries plan to expand their power and influence worldwide and replace the U.S as a global hegemon.
The United States is risking its national security by slashing Department of State positions and failing to prioritize backfilling vacant ambassador positions,” he said,
The commission argues that military strength alone cannot protect U.S interests against growing international security threats, making diplomatic representation an essential part of Washington’s national security strategy.
Ambassadors serve as the president’s personal representatives, engaging senior government officials, interpreting local political developments and advancing U.S policy.
Their absence can weaken diplomatic relationships, undermine confidence among partner governments and limit Washington’s ability to respond to emerging security challenges, the commission says.
Diplomatic missions also support alliance-building, development assistance and efforts to promote democracy and human rights.
The report notes that ambassadorial appointments can be delayed during the U.S Senate confirmation process, including through procedural holds and additional reviews unrelated to a nominee’s qualifications.
Further delays can occur after confirmation, when promotion lists for senior Foreign Service officers are returned to the White House for attestation, a process that can take another one to two months.
Confirmation timelines have lengthened over several decades. The average period increased from about 49 days during the first term of the Reagan administration to 193 days during the Biden administration. The current average is 127 days, according to the report.
The American Legion is calling on Congress to provide adequate funding for the Department of State and prioritise filling vacant ambassadorial and Foreign Service positions.
Its National Executive Committee adopted Resolution 25 in May 2022, emphasising the importance of maintaining diplomatic staffing and filling vacancies promptly.
The resolution warns that leaving ambassadorial posts vacant weakens the United States’ ability to advance its interests and creates opportunities for other countries to expand their influence.
Grenier urged the Senate to expedite the confirmation of qualified nominees.
“In a highly competitive global landscape, extended vacancies can diminish diplomatic ties, weaken U.S. influence, and provide adversaries with opportunities to grow their presence.
“Swiftly naming qualified ambassadors will bolster America’s international leadership, improve diplomatic operations, and better position the United States to safeguard its national security interests,” he said.
