Diplomacy for Sale: The Urgent Need for Ethics Reform in U.S. Foreign Policy and Crypto Regulation
Overview:
The United States’ credibility on the global stage is eroding as diplomacy becomes a tool for personal enrichment rather than peacebuilding. Recent reports of Trump-affiliated business ventures—masquerading as diplomacy—underscore the growing threat of crypto-financed militarism, private profiteering, and unregulated influence in foreign affairs.
From secretive crypto deals in Pakistan and Dubai to backroom mineral contracts in Congo and Ukraine, a dangerous precedent is being set: access to U.S. foreign policy is now for sale to the highest bidder—military or corporate.
Peace Economy Project calls for immediate action to strengthen ethical guardrails, protect democratic diplomacy, and stop the militarized use of crypto finance.
Our Demands
1. Strengthen Ethics Laws in Foreign Policy
- Ban unregistered private individuals (including relatives of officials) from engaging in international diplomacy on behalf of the U.S.
- Mandate transparency and conflict-of-interest disclosures for any U.S. citizens engaged in business negotiations with foreign governments while associated with an administration.
2. Regulate Crypto in Foreign Affairs
- Prohibit the use of cryptocurrency in deals involving foreign militaries or conflict zones unless explicitly authorized by law.
- Increase oversight of crypto-backed lobbying and ensure foreign influence via crypto cannot bypass national security safeguards.
3. End Militarized Transactions Disguised as Peace Deals
- Require independent verification of peace negotiations before public or military leaders can claim ceasefire credit or enter resource deals.
- Oppose quid pro quo diplomacy that leverages military support in exchange for extractive deals.
Why This Matters
These backdoor arrangements:
- Bypass Congressional and diplomatic review
- Undermine civilian governance in fragile regions like South Asia and central Africa
- Strengthen military regimes at the expense of democracy
- Exploit crypto’s lack of transparency to funnel wealth out of conflict zones and into elite pockets
- Jeopardize legitimate peacebuilding by prioritizing profit over justice
📣 What We’re Doing
Peace Economy Project is:
- Monitoring the intersection of crypto finance and militarism
- Educating the public about extractive diplomacy through events, op-eds, and briefings
- Demanding U.S. lawmakers act to protect democracy from digital mercenary deals
Tell Congress Diplomacy Is Not for Sale
Urge you Representative and Senators to support ethics legislation that blocks crypto-financed militarism and strengthens U.S. foreign policy transparency.
