The overriding concern underlying each and every activity of the Academy is its belief that the quality of American diplomacy is vital to its effectiveness, whether the practitioner comes from the career service or the political domain. That concern is evident in the objectives stated in its articles of incorporation:
to foster high standards of qualification for, and performance in, the conduct of diplomacy and the foreign affairs of the United States.
to increase public understanding and appreciation of the contributions of diplomacy to the national interests of the United States
to study and, as appropriate, to disseminate findings and recommendations with regard to the conduct and content of American foreign policy, and
to encourage the strengthening and improvement of American diplomatic representation abroad.