Those in diplomatic service maintain an expectation that they can rely on the U.S. government to safely evacuate its personnel–especially spouses and children.[i] This was my personal understanding as well. Although federal law places emergency-planning responsibilities to rest with the government, particularly the Department of State with respect to U.S. personnel and their families, the President retains a duty to take necessary and proper action in carrying out evacuation measures.[ii] Given that evacuation decisions necessarily remain largely within Presidential discretion, the government should establish clearer and more consistent standards for advance planning and communication when foreseeable military action puts diplomatic posts at heightened risk.

Photo by Marek Studzinski on Unsplash.