This year’s Lowy Institute Global Diplomacy Index maps the size and reach of 61 diplomatic networks around the world by embassies, consulates, permanent missions and other diplomatic posts. “It is — by a wide margin — the most important place for countries to locate their diplomatic posts ... China is a distant second.”China continues to expand its diplomatic footprint — it has added five posts in the past two years — while the US’ footprint has shrunk. Staff vacancies nearly three years into Trump’s term are concerning, but the US’ diplomatic influence, developed over decades, would not be unwound in a single presidential term, Bley said. “Instead, President Trump’s abrupt abandonment of multilateral initiatives — the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Iran nuclear deal, the Paris climate agreement — is a greater threat to enduring US diplomatic influence,” she said. Australia’s diplomatic footprint ranks 27th in the world.

Source: Taipei Times November 27, 2019 15:56 UTC