Why does the United States have diplomatic outposts, such as embassies and consulates, around the world?

This week’s attacks on U.S. embassies in the Middle East have brought into sharp focus the dangers of an expansive physical diplomatic presence overseas which has led some to question why the U.S. remains in the region.

The U.S. currently has 294 physical embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions across the world, with 27 in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which is more than any other nation. Other major Western powers, such as Britain, are currently expanding their overseas portfolio, but has the U.S. reached saturation point whereby its network is becoming more damaging than beneficial? Are these attacks a signal that the U.S. should reduce its diplomatic footprint in the Middle East and elsewhere.