When America loses its voice: Strategic consequences of the Voice of America's closure

The decision to disband the Voice of America (VOA) has resulted in a profound loss of American soft power and damaged the United States' standing in the global information landscape, according to Elez Biberaj, a long-time journalist and editor at the U.S. government's media agency.

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For millions, Voice of America was a beacon of hope and an opportunity to learn about the United States – something no institution will be able to replicate.

Biberaj, writing for the "Diplomatic Bulletin," a journal of the Association of American Diplomats, contends that the U.S. is facing the consequences of silencing one of its most prominent soft power instruments. He notes that the move, part of an effort to shut down the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), eliminated an institution dedicated to providing independent, fact-based information in challenging global environments and promoting American democratic principles.

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The decision, part of an effort to close the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), took away the voice of an institution whose purpose was to provide independent, fact-based information in some of the world's most controversial information environments. It also conveyed American democratic principles.

With over four decades at VOA, Biberaj describes witnessing its crucial role during pivotal historical moments, including the fall of communism, the establishment of democracies in Eastern Europe, the Balkan wars, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He asserts that VOA consistently proved its value by offering objective news, unfiltered insights into American discourse, and explanations of U.S. policy, thereby helping foreign audiences understand America's role and engagement.

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The damage is immense, lasting, and devastating to the credibility of the United States and its long-term national interests. In a time when information has become a strategic battlefield, the cost of withdrawal is too high to ignore, and a change of course is necessary.

Biberaj warns that the U.S. withdrawal from global information competition has weakened its capacity to shape international perceptions and has allowed competitors to weaponize information. He stresses that the damage is immense, lasting, and detrimental to U.S. credibility and long-term national interests. In an era where information is a strategic battlefield, he argues, the cost of withdrawal is too high, and a change in course is imperative. He concludes that in today's information environment, characterized by disinformation, misinterpretations of U.S. engagement, rapid technological change, and rising authoritarianism, the Voice of America not only should exist but needs to be invented.

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In every one of these moments, Voice of America proved its worth. It provided objective news and information, unfiltered insight into American democratic discourse and institutions, and explained U.S. policy. This helped the foreign public understand the role and significance of American engagement.