On August 6 at 9 am PT, dial in for a discussion on the proposed closure of U.S. embassies around the world as part of a broader effort by the government to reduce State Department spending. This conversation will address the potential effects on U.S. national security, foreign policy priorities, and the country’s ability to influence international affairs. Members will hear from Darrell Blocker, a Former American Intelligence Officer and Founder of DMB Consulting Services. 

Why it’s important:

• According to an internal State Department memo published in April, the Trump Administration is considering closing 10 embassies and 17 consulates, with reductions in staff capacity outlined for several others. 
• Closures would impact 6 embassies in Africa, including the Central African Republic, Eritrea, Gambia, Lesotho, the Republic of the Congo, and South Sudan. 3 consulates would also be closed in Cameroon, Douala, and Durban. 
• This plan poses a national security risk for the United States, as other countries have an opportunity to increase their presence on the African continent, and elsewhere, threatening the U.S.’s current diplomatic ties. 

Please feel free to send questions in advance to events@pacificcouncil.org.

To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.

Guest Speaker

 

Darrell M. Blocker is a board director, senior corporate director, and a former member of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Directorate of Operations Leadership Team.  He founded his firm in 2018 and currently serves as an Independent Board Director for Rendeavour, Africa's largest urban land developer, focusing on building new cities across Sub-Saharan Africa; as an Advisor to the Black Professionals in International Affairs’ Leadership Council, a nonprofit with mission to increase involvement of African-Americans and African descent in international affairs; as Board Member and Advisor to Hunter Baron, a financial services business development firm; and as a Nonresident Fellow at the University of Georgia’s Center for International Trade and Security.  He is a 2025 recipient of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor for “exemplary commitment to national security, global stability, mentorship, humanitarian work, and advocacy for diversity in national security.”

DMB Consulting Services is a trusted strategic geopolitical, crisis-management, and executive-advisory firm working across the defense, national security, entertainment, and non-profit sectors.  DMB is fluent in the languages of both strategy and culture and offers a rare, holistic lens on systemic risk to clients ranging from private equity firms to private individuals. Discretion and transparency are the keystones of our practice, and there is no issue too small or challenge too daunting for our team of experts to tackle across the globe and business sectors. We focus on building trust and connection, establishing effective communication, and underscoring the importance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in addressing global business challenges.  DMB’s team of advisors includes a unique sweep of experiences which allows them to provide counsel at the intersection of security, intelligence, and civilization-scale resilience—advancing their vision for global stability and both sustainability and long-term investment in emerging markets. 

 

To register for this webinar, visit the Zoom Registration Page.