Foreign Affairs Manual and Handbooks: The Governing Rules of U.S. Diplomacy
The operational backbone of United States diplomacy is not found in a single law, but in a comprehensive set of codified guidelines known as the Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) and the Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAH). Together, these documents serve as the authoritative source for the organizational structures, policies, and procedures that govern the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Foreign Service.
While they work in tandem, the two have distinct roles: the FAM focuses primarily on high-level department policy, whereas the FAHs provide the detailed, step-by-step procedures required to implement those policies. These documents are made accessible to the public via the department's official website.
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Legal Authority and Scope
The authority to create these regulations is rooted in federal law. Under Section 1 (a)(4) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2651a(1)(a)(4)), the Secretary of State is legally empowered to promulgate the rules and regulations necessary to carry out the functions of both the Secretary and the Department of State.
The reach of these guidelines is absolute. According to 22 U.S. Code § 2658a, the FAM and FAH apply with equal force and without exception to all Department of State personnel. This mandate encompasses everyone from the Secretary of State and political appointees to Civil Service employees and Foreign Service officers, regardless of their legal hiring authority.
Executive Oversight and Recent Changes
The flexibility of these manuals allows the executive branch to align diplomatic operations with current administration goals. For instance, Executive Order 14211, signed by President Donald Trump on February 12, 2025, explicitly empowers the Secretary of State to revise or replace the FAM. This order also grants the authority to direct subordinate agencies to remove, amend, or replace any existing handbooks, procedures, or guidance.
Key Facts
- FAM vs. FAH: The FAM dictates policy, while the FAH outlines the procedures to execute that policy.
- Universal Application: These rules apply to all State Department staff, including the Secretary of State and political appointees.
- Legal Basis: Authority is derived from the State Department Basic Authorities Act and 22 U.S. Code § 2658a.
- Executive Control: Executive Order 14211 allows for the rapid revision or replacement of these manuals to ensure policy alignment.
Organizational Structure of the FAM
The Foreign Affairs Manual is a massive undertaking, divided into at least 19 distinct volumes that cover every facet of international relations and internal administration.
| Volume | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| 1 FAM | Organization and Functions |
| 2 FAM | General |
| 3 FAM | Personnel |
| 4 FAM | Financial Management |
| 5 FAM | Information Management |
| 6 FAM | General Services |
| 7 FAM | Consular Affairs |
| 8 FAM | Passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad |
| 9 FAM | Visas |
| 10 FAM | Public, Educational, and Cultural Affairs |
| 11 FAM | Legal and Political Affairs |
| 12 FAM | Diplomatic Security |
| 13 FAM | Training and Professional Development |
| 14 FAM | Logistics Management |
| 15 FAM | Overseas Buildings Operations |
| 16 FAM | Medical |
| 18 FAM | Programs, Practices, and Planning |
| 19 FAM | Cybersecurity Guidance |
| 20 FAM | Data and Artificial Intelligence |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the FAM and the FAH?
The Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM) generally establishes the overarching policies of the department, while the Foreign Affairs Handbooks (FAH) provide the specific procedural instructions on how to implement those policies.
Who is required to follow the FAM and FAH?
They apply to all U.S. Department of State personnel without exception, including the Secretary of State, political appointees, Civil Service employees, and Foreign Service officers.
Can the Secretary of State change these rules?
Yes. The Secretary of State has the authority to promulgate rules under the State Department Basic Authorities Act, and Executive Order 14211 specifically allows the Secretary to revise or replace the FAM and associated handbooks.
Where can the Foreign Affairs Manual be found?
The FAM is published and available for review on the official U.S. Department of State website.
Does the FAM cover modern technology?
Yes, the manual has evolved to include specialized volumes such as 19 FAM for Cybersecurity Guidance and 20 FAM for Data and Artificial Intelligence.