• Networking U.S. foreign policy officials, academics, and strategists.

  • Advancing traditional American diplomacy based on national interests, U.S. sovereignty, and strong borders. 

  • Promoting a U.S. diplomatic corps grounded in meritocracy and committed to thrift, accountability, and service to the American people.

Save The Date

The Second Annual

Ben Franklin Fellowship Reception Dinner

Celebrating Franklin's legacy, The Ben Franklin Fellowship, and the principles of wise diplomacy that safeguard America's security and prosperity.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16, 2026
THE MAYFLOWER HOTEL, WASHINGTON D.C.
6 PM

Europe’s Migration Crisis

Europe’s migration policies have failed as it is practically impossible to physically remove migrants whose asylum applications are rejected – and only 15% of asylum seekers are found to be bona fide refugees.

DEI Abuses

Anyone in litigation against State Department regarding DEI abuses, including past employment or promotion discrimination, should contact William Shea. In the report below, Shea provides the BFF community valuable updates on major developments in his legal case.

  • Why is the U.S. Attorney's Office Failing to Defend in Court Trump's E.O. Ending DEI in the State Department?

    By William Shea

Visa Vetting

A veteran consular officer provides an overview from the field on new F, M, and J visa vetting. The new security procedures can work to make America safer, but leaders at some posts prefer "business as usual" when it comes to visa processing.  

  • Examining Social Media Enhances Visa Vetting - If Consular Sections Will Do It.

    A Veteran Consular Officer Reports

Mindset Shift

Conservative career officials are fighting to break the globalist-woke mindset that is deeply ingrained in the U.S. foreign affairs bureaucracy.

Featured White Paper Series:

Peace Perspectives

BFF Wins Prestigious Heritage Foundation Innovation Prize

$100,000 Grant to Implement the JUNTO Project

Read About Heritage's Innovation Prize

Explore our principles

The Ben Franklin Fellowship is a unique foreign affairs community — putting America's national interest first in U.S. diplomacy and international affairs.

Learn more

Foreign Policy in the U.S. National Interest

Secretary Rubio: The World Over August 7, 2025

Deputy Secretary Landau Speaks on America First Foreign Policy

Vice President Vance Speaks on Gaza, Free Speech & Ukraine During UK Meeting With Lammy

Vice President Vance Speaks at the Southern Border

The First Purpose of Foreign Policy | Michael Anton

President Reagan's Recipe for Peace

Connect With Us

Let us know if you would like to join the Ben Franklin Fellowship and receive email information about our activities. Please tell us something about your foreign policy experience, particularly if you are currently in the Department of State or other U.S. government service. Also notify us if you would like to meet in person with a BFF representative.

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