Why It Matters: Washington’s Neo-Colonial Venezuela Policy

This edition of “Why It Matters”discusses the Trump administration’s Venezuela policy, how it fits into its broader regional approach, and what the U.S. should do instead.
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Prioritizing human rights in U.S. foreign policy is good for the world and good for America.
The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice advocates for human rights in U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy.
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Our Mission
The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice strives to center human rights and global justice within U.S. foreign policy, reimagining American diplomacy through advocacy, public engagement, and global partnerships.

What We Do

Inform lawmakers. Engage the public. Work with communities. Speak out.

Who We Are
We are a group of former senior diplomats, former elected officials, and human rights experts committed to making the United States safer, more equitable, more prosperous, and true to its potential through a foreign policy that prioritizes human rights and justice for everyone.

Our team has spent decades fighting for human rights, combating trafficking, strengthening democracies, and supporting social justice across the globe. We also have shattered the glass ceiling at the highest levels of U.S. foreign policy.

When America retreats from the pursuit of justice globally, the world feels the consequences. We are working to restore a commitment to human rights in U.S. foreign policy.

Our founders

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    Desirée Cormier Smith
    Co-Founder & Co-President

    Former U.S. Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice

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    Jessica Stern
    Co-Founder & Co-President

    Former U.S. Special Envoy to Advance the Human Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex (LGBTQI+) Persons

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    Rina Amiri
    Co-Founder & Principal

    Former U.S. Special Envoy for Afghan Women, Girls, and Human Rights

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    Cindy Dyer
    Co-Founder

    Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

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    Kelly M. Fay Rodríguez
    Co-Founder & Principal

    Former U.S. Special Representative for International Labor Affairs

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    Abby Finkenauer
    Co-Founder & Principal

    Former U.S. Special Envoy for Global Youth

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    Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta
    Co-Founder & Principal

    Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Women's Issues

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    Dr. Beth Van Schaack
    Co-Founder & Principal

    Former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice

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Our Work

Public Engagement & Narrative Power

Making the case to the American people for why diplomacy, development, and justice matter to their safety, prosperity, and future.

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Rapid Response & Monitoring

Exposing in real time the global consequences of America’s retreat from human rights—and amplifying the voices of those most at risk.

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Advocacy & Legislative Strategy

Leveraging deep bipartisan relationships to build a lasting, bipartisan commitment to human rights in American foreign policy and diplomacy.

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Global & Domestic Partnerships

Building alliances with leaders and civil society in the U.S. and abroad to defend and advance human rights.

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Long-Term Reconstruction

Designing a new blueprint for American diplomacy grounded in rights, dignity, and accountability.

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Media Inquiries

Let's connect!

The Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice is a group of former ambassadors, envoys, and senior diplomats with decades of experience defending human rights and shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Our experts provide trusted insight on:

  • U.S. foreign policy and human rights
  • Women’s rights and equity in diplomacy
  • Global racial justice issues
  • Human trafficking and forced labor
  • LGBTQI+ rights in international affairs
  • Authoritarianism, democracy, and migration

“Human rights are fundamental to our security and prosperity. The Alliance brings principled leadership and seasoned expertise to the front lines of this fight.”

— Wendy Sherman, Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State

In this pivotal moment for American leadership, timely access to expertise matters. We welcome interviews, commentary requests, speaking invitations, and partnership opportunities.

For urgent inquiries or to request our media kit (bios, key facts, and high-resolution images), please contact: connect@thealliancefordiplomacyandjustice.org

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