Escape from Mogadishu by James K. Bishop
March 1991 An ambassador recalls the harrowing experience of evacuating from Mogadishu as the Somali city experienced a violent uprising.
Asia
The Service’s Only Samurai by George P. Waller
December 1922 Watari Ebiharah served the American consulate in Kobe, Japan for 39 years, but earlier in life he served a liege lord as a samurai in the waning days of feudal Japan.
Jesuit Technical Assistance to the Emperor of China by Martin F. Herz
February 1958 For many years Jesuits cultivated diplomatic and scientific relationships with Imperial China to enable cultural exchange and missionary work.
China
The Line Forms to the Left by Earl J. Wilson
March 1950 In this case history of Shanghai, find a step-by-step account of how the Iron Curtain is systematically drawn tight around a city and how, with each step, its people are more helplessly enmeshed by their own liberation.
American Foreign Policy and China by James Ramsey
October 1966 As the United States now finds itself engaged in Asian areas where it possessed only marginal interests before, what will happen when the Chinese are strong enough to force a solution on their own terms?
The Future Between America and China by William Stokes
January 1968 No one can foresee what will follow the Maoist interregnum that clings to uncertain power, yet important clues about underlying attitudes toward the United States can occasionally be discerned.
The U.S., China and the UN by Jonathan Bingham
February 1972 With China now in the United Nations—and Taiwan out—where do we go from here, so far as our relations are concerned?
The Succession to Mao Tse-tung by Robert Rinden
February 1972 One solution to the transfer-of-power problem is for the incumbent leader-with-charisma to choose and anoint his heir.
The Chou Demarche by Edwin Martin
November 1981 New evidence suggests that the secret 1949 message purportedly from Chou Enlai to Western leaders was not actually an opportunity for rapprochement.
Why Most Favored Nation Won in China by Anne Stevenson-Yang
November 1994 The U.S.-China business bloc wields considerable power that is felt in Washington policymaking.
A City Facing Turmoil
March 1997 As Hong Kong’s handover nears, policy conflicts loom between China, the United States and the U.K.
A City Built on Prosperity by Ross H. Munro
March 1997 A successful “formula” for Hong Kong—U.S. capitalism wed to U.K. rule of law.
A City Bullish on Itself by Dan Kubiske
March 1997 As funds flow back into Hong Kong, the future for business is predicted to be robust.
A City Rises in Asia by Jose Armilla
March 1997 With the transport of opium dominating early U.S.-U.K. ties, now Hong Kong is a rising city.
China’s Economic Growth: Source of Disorder? by Robert Wang
May 2005 Beijing’s rapid rise has raised concerns about the economic ramifications for the status-quo powers in Asia—and the global community overall.
Congressional Pressures and U.S.-China Policy by Robert Sutter
May 2005 As the Bush administration seeks to manage Sino-American relations, it would be wise to keep in mind congressional sensitivities.
China’s New Diplomacy in Asia by David Shambaugh
May 2005 A proactive PRC is transforming international relations throughout Asia. Here is a look at the four pillars of Beijing’s new regional posture.
Deepening Sino-American Ties At the Grass Roots by Carol Lee Hamrin
May 2005 Improvements in China’s human rights record will not come overnight from the top down, but they will develop gradually through social activism.
Human Rights, China And 21st-Century Diplomacy by Michael R. Posner
September 2012 Developments in China offer new opportunities to reframe our approach to bilateral discussions of human rights.
The 100,000-Strong Initiative by Stanton Jue
September 2012 After just three years, this people-to-people program is already bringing the United States and China closer together.
Development & Aid
AID’s First Year by Frank M. Coffin
January 1963 The first Deputy Administrator of USAID discusses standing up the new agency, its goals and where progress is already being made.
Diplomatic Security
Embassy Marines by Raymond J. Barrett
June 1971 Marines secure and defend embassies around the clock and have often been the first line of defense against crises.
Morality and Foreign Affairs by Howard Trivers
September 1956 The U.S. must strike a tenuous balance between idealist aspirations and realist groundings as it aims to make foreign policy that is both pragmatic and progressive.
Daring and Dissent by FSJ Editorial Pages
April 1961 The Foreign Service has special reason to be thankful for President Kennedy’s statement, in his State of the Union message, that the new Administration “recognizes the value of daring and dissent” among public servants.
An Open Letter to Edward K. Murrow: What Makes A Man Believe? by Gillespie Evans
August 1963 The self-administered brain-washing I had achieved in two decades of work within USIA had been rinsed out and bleached by two years in the blue water and sun of Hawaii. Heretical questions, dormant for years, had reasserted themselves.
On Dissent by William E. Knight
December 1964 In truth the Service has never made up its collective mind about the proper role of dissent and open discussion. We are schizoid on the question.
The Dilemma of Dissent by Ted Olson
June 1966 The decision to stay on, even while dissenting, can be a perfectly honorable one. But it carries with it the obligation to go on fighting, to reiterate one’s dissent at every opportunity, as stoutly and persuasively as one can.
On Dissent by FSJ Editorial Pages
June 1970 That problem still before us – as it is also before so many different institutions in our society – is that of defining the nature of openness, the means of insuring candor, and the character of useful dissent.
The Question of Foreign Service Resignations by Dino J. Caterini
July 1970 The debate on whether FSOs should resign when serving policies they cannot accept centers on how the department’s culture handles dissenting views, professional conformity and the balance between policy implementation and formulation.
Another Approach to Dissent by James R. Bullington
September 1970 It is now up to the officers of INR to make “Viewpoint: A Working Paper” into the flourishing mechanism for expressing thoughtful dissent and creative new analysis, which it is intended to be.
Unlimdis by Donald S. Spigler
January 1972 Any reporting of dissent was to be marked “Limdis” because leaks could “give us problems” with the Congress and the public.
Dissent, Disloyalty, and Foreign Service Finkism by William R. Lenderking
May 1974 Although there are frequent assurances that “responsible” dissent is encouraged in the Foreign Service, the impression conveyed to many of those who at some time in their careers consider swimming against the policy tide is often quite different.
More on Dissent and Loyalty by Martin F. Herz
February 1975 If we ever get to the point where the idea is accepted that “resistance” to the policy of the President of the United States is somehow all right in special circumstances, then we can kiss goodbye any hopes of obtaining the status that should be right be enjoyed by the Foreign Service of the United States.
Deep Throat or the Ethics of Discretion by Raymond F. Smith
May 1975 There are alternatives within the system to doing nothing, anonymous leaks, or resignation. The parameters of what is generally considered acceptable dissent have expanded in the Foreign Service.
Pike-Middle Grade-Policy Dissent and Denouement by AFSA News
December 1975 The Committee ceased trying to get Mr. Boyatt and others to testify against the orders of the Secretary, but did vote to subpoena his dissent memorandum.
To Support and Defend the Constitution by Thomas D. Boyatt
November 1976 Knowledge of real Congressional oversight will encourage working-level officers to express dissenting views because such views will necessarily be taken more seriously and will be more likely to influence policy.
On Public Dissent by Martin F. Herz
April 1981 Another thing that may be noted in connection with the White Case is that while every Foreign Service officer should be (and is) free to dissent through appropriate channels, public dissent is another matter.
The Decline of Dissent by Kai Bird
February 1985 Decreasing use of the dissent channel is symptomatic of an atmosphere in which nonconformist views are unwelcome and ignored.
Dissent and Policy: A Desire for Openness by Frances G. Burwell
April 1987 A survey on Foreign Service attitudes toward dissent has revealed a widespread desire for a decision-making environment more tolerant of the exchange of ideas.
Memorandum for Mr. Henderson by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles
October 1992 In the following memorandum, Secretary of State John Foster Dulles proposed to Deputy Under Secretary of State for Management Loy Henderson an early forerunner of the dissent channel.
On Dissent: My Resignation from the Foreign Service by George Kenney
October 1992 The question almost every interviewer asks is: why did you resign instead of staying within the system and pressing your case for change there? That captures the essence of a decision to resign over policy. Will the resignation matter?
Loyalty and Dissent: The Foreign Service and the War in Southeast Asia by Daniel A. Strasser
December 1992 The war in Southeast Asia did elicit significant internal dissent. This is the story of what happened to eight officers in my Foreign Service class, myself included, who were assigned to Vietnam.
The Agony of Dissent by George Kenney, Marshall Harris and Stephen Walker
November 1993 In past months, State Department employees have resigned from the Foreign Service and challenges the administration’s policy in Bosnia.
Just Say No: The Dissent Channel by Liz Allan
December 1994 Despite its intention, the Dissent Channel has not been a popular forum with employees. In the 20 years between 1971 and 1991, only 200 people have used the channel, which a record number of 30 in 1977.
Dissent in Dublin by Richard Gilbert
July 1996 Looking back, some might see the event as simple and uncomplicated – just another visa to be adjudicated. Yet it was not, and it sparked one of the most public and controversial FSO dissent cases in recent times.
Dissent on Cuba by Karen Krebsbach
July 1996 If ever an FSO could choose a career path after dissent against U.S. policy, he’d probably choose the direction followed by Dennis Hays.
Dissent in the Foreign Service by Hume Horan
July 1996 Dissent is to the Foreign Service what canaries were to coal miners. Dissent lets Foreign Service employees know how breathable the air is where they work.
The Foreign Service Tradition of Dissent and Service by Dan Geisler
June 1999 For more than 30 years, AFSA has supported constructive dissent in the Foreign Service. We don’t see dissent as an option; it is a professional obligation.
Advise and Dissent: The Diplomat As Protester by David T. Jones,
April 2000 Protests by Foreign Service officers may not have ended the Vietnam War, but they did lead to the creation of the Open Forum and the Dissent Channel. David T. Jones explains how the State Department was forced to learn that it had to listen to widespread policy dissent if it wanted to maintain a strong diplomatic corps (266, mostly junior, officers resigned from the Foreign Service in 1968 alone).
Why We Support Constructive Dissent by Marshall P. Adair
June 2000 Constructive dissent is a hallmark of our American Foreign Service, and increasingly accepted as part of the policy process. AFSA is honored to serve this nation by recognizing those who have fulfilled this most unusual and important responsibility.
Is There Life After Dissent? By David T. Jones
June 2002 AFSA instituted its first dissent awards in 1968 and expanded on them through the years. What has happened to the first generation of winners, and what is the future of the program?
The Limits of Dissent by David T. Jones
December 2002 An institution, State has expended much effort professing to believe that the Foreign Service is a cadre of professionals who value and respect discordant views. And indeed we are – until the discord gets too disturbing.
Dissent Again by David T. Jones
June 2003 Although each FSO proffered individual reasons for the decision, in essence each disagreed with our policy of direct military confrontation toward Iraq and left the State Department with public blasts for our objectives and dire predictions about the political consequences.
Why I Resigned by John Brown
September 2003 First, I believed that President George W. Bush had failed to present a convincing case to Americans and the world that massive force should be used against Iraq at this time. Second, I felt an obligation as an American to speak out against this presidential failure to justify a questionable policy.
Why Dissent is Important and Resignation Honorable by Ann Wright
September 2003 While the decision to undertake military operations in Iraq without United Nations Security Council authority was the trigger for my resignation, I also had concerns about many other policies of the administration.
2004: Year of the Dissident by John Limbert
January 2004 Recognizing dissenters is never easy. Doing so may mean swallowing our pride and admitting we were wrong about an issue. None of the above will come easily in a Foreign Service that values collegiality and consensus.
On Dissent and Disloyalty by Steve Kashkett
December 2005 Use of the Department of State’s official Dissent Channel has dwindled to a trickle since its heyday in the 1970s.
Prisoners of Conscience by Steve Kashkett
May 2007 I would respectfully suggest that true patriotism is something broader than loyalty to one administration’s policies, and that honorable conscientious people in the Foreign Service may well feel they are being patriotic by expressing dissent or choosing to avoid working on certain issues.
Constructive Dissent by John Naland
June 2009 Before attending his first AFSA awards ceremony, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger asked AFSA President Tom Boyatt what the constructive dissent awards were all about. After being told, Kissinger gave a knowing smile and asked, “You mean I am giving awards to people who disagreed with me?”
Making Dissent Meaningful Again by Susan Johnson
February 2010 It is time for our career Foreign Service to rise again to the challenge of generating high-quality, thoughtful, constructive dissent, with the goal of contributing to more successful U.S. foreign policy and fewer policy failures.
Dissent in the Kissinger Era by Hannah Gurman
July-August 2011 When the president announced his decision to invade Cambodia in April 1970, 20 Foreign Service officers sent a letter to Secretary of State William Rogers condemning the invasion. It was the largest collective protest in the department to date.
Celebrating Intellectual Courage: AFSA’s Dissent Awards by John Limbert
July-August 2012 Together the four AFSA constructive dissent awards constitute a program unique within the federal government, one that celebrates the courage and integrity of Foreign Service personnel at all levels who have challenged the system from within.
Some Thoughts on Dissent by John H. Brown
July-August 2013 John H. Brown argues that all government employees should be free to speak their minds as openly as possible, but the term “national security” is being wielded by many senior officials to prevent them from doing so. Brown resigned from the Foreign Service in 2003, after 22 years of service, in protest of the Iraq War.
The Role of Dissent: In National Security, Law and Conscience by Ann Wright
July-August 2013 Ann Wright, who resigned from the Foreign Service in protest of the Iraq War, revisits her decision and reflects on its ethical implications. She wrestles with questions such as, “How should public servants go about challenging ill-considered policies?” and “Can one continue working for a government carrying out policies one believes constitute moral, ethical or legal failures?
AFSA Constructive Dissent Award Winners: Where Are They Now? by Shawn Dorman
September 2013 Eight Foreign Service members honored for dissent over the past 20 years discuss the impact of their decision to voice their opinion on their careers and on U.S. policy.
Integrity and Openness: Requirements for an Effective Foreign Service by Kenneth M. Quinn
September 2014 Kenneth Quinn, three-time AFSA dissent award recipient, describes how his honesty and candor were often met with resistance and may have cost him some jobs during his 32-year Foreign Service career. But it ultimately allowed him to be proud of his role in our diplomatic corps. He considers constructive dissent not just an option but a responsibility, and encourages senior officials to treasure different viewpoints rather than silence them.
Deconstructing Dissent by Amelia Shaw
September 2015 Amelia Shaw, the 2015 W. Averell Harriman Award recipient, argues that dissent is about integrity and speaking up about the things that matter, regardless of what you think about the possibility for change. Ms. Shaw received the award for her initiative and intellectual courage in fighting for equal legal rights and protections for unmarried women living along the U.S.-Mexico border, who face many obstacles in transmitting their American citizenship to children born in Mexico.
Economic Diplomacy and Trade
The Trade Policy Crisis by Willis C. Armstrong
November 1971 As the U.S. employs protectionist means it hampers fundamental tenets of the global economic order it has strived to integrate.
What Is Economic Diplomacy and How Does It Work? by Tony Wayne
January-February 2019 The U.S. Foreign Service is at the forefront of crafting policy and carrying out economic diplomacy to advance the strategic and security interests of the United States.
Economic Officers for the Future by Charles Ries
January-February 2019 New appreciation for the centrality of economics in foreign policy makes it an ideal time to throw light on the making of an economic officer.
Six Elements of Effective Economic/Commercial Diplomacy by Shaun Donnelly and Daniel Crocker
January-February 2019 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has made commercial diplomacy a foreign policy priority. Here’s how to get it right.
From Guitars to Gold: The Fruits of Economic Diplomacy
January-February 2019 This selection of first-person accounts showcases the work members of the Foreign Service do around the world every day to promote U.S. business.
Europe
Jefferson’s NATO by Carl Charlick
July 1954 Thomas Jefferson had his own challenging experiences in organizing a coalition of states to deal with a common threat.
The USRO and American Foreign Policy by Staff Members of the USRO
February 1955 The USRO coordinated and navigated the surge in diplomatic activity in the early years of the NATO alliance.
European Defense: A Return to Brussels by Colin Gordon
November 1971 European nations have often struggled to harmonize economic integration with defense integration.
The Atlantic Alliance by Charles R. Foster and Richard Albright
June 1981 New administrations have often taken office with hopes to reinvigorate NATO, but alliance politics guarantee challenges to any reform-minded agenda.
The European Question by Robert K. Olson
November 1982 The fate of Europe has been a central concern of the United States for decades, and the extent to which common interest dictates trans-Atlantic unity is debatable.
Foreign Service Career
Impressions of the “Outside Man” on the Junior Foreign Service Selection Board for 1947 by G.W. Magalhaes
June 1947 The first thing that an “outsider’ realizes when he is invited to help out on the selection of Foreign Service officers for promotion is the fact that he personally does not know the officers who he is to rate, but has to depend entirely upon the particular officer’s record or “dossier.”
An Outsider Looks at the Foreign Service by James S. Thompson
March 1953 As I read the files, I was frankly impressed with the number of officers of high quality, their devotion and loyalty, their sense of responsibility and their tremendous capacity for work.
The New Foreign Service: Problems of Placement by Edward W. Mulcahy
August 1954 The “ready interchangeability of personnel” called for in the Report can flourish or it can founder on the shoal of placement.
RIF and Return by Melville E. Blake, Jr.
September 1954 When Circular Airgram 1400, which ominously began “The Department must reduce staff during the current fiscal year…” I scanned it and, deciding it did not apply to me, promptly threw it in my out basket…I should have known that something was amiss, but I did not.
The New Foreign Service PT II: Selection Boards During Integration by George H. Butler
September 1954 The success of the integration program will depend upon the efficiency and fairness with which it is carried out….This would make possible the clear basic decisions that are to govern the administration of integration and the new Foreign Service.
A Public Member Looks at the Selection Boards by Herbert Bratter
March 1956 If I were a young man starting my career I should have no hesitancy in joining the State Department’s foreign service corps…I know from what I have seen during my work on the selection board, that to rise in the Service one need not have an independent fortune or belong to the alumni of some particular university.
Junior Officers and the New Amendments by Frederic L. Chapin
November 1956 The value of these amendments to the Foreign Service is self-evident, and Ambassador Loy Henderson will always be gratefully remembered for the important part he played in persuading Congress to enact them. But there are other amendments which are however a cause of concern to junior officers.
Are Efficiency Reports Lousy? by Theodore C. Achilles
July 1957 Anyone who has served on a Selection Board may shudder at the thought of the efficiency reports he himself has written in the past. I certainly do and, as of now, I’m a reformed drunk with a bad hangover.
Letter to an FSO To Be by Martin Herz
September 1958 …I must offer my sympathy to you on the inevitable, long and unpleasant period of waiting for your appointment as an FSO. Since you asked for advice on how to spend that waiting period, I hope you won’t mind too much if I say some pretty obvious things in addition to some unexpected ones.
An Inside Look at a Selection Board by Jack K. McFall
September 1958 Sometime ago a colleague observed to me “I hope that someday someone will write, for The Foreign Service Journal, an article to end all articles on the subject of Selection Boards.” This is not that article. It is hoped that the following recital of the modus operandi of Selection Boards will serve to expand the horizons of our colleagues and their understanding of this process of administering the Foreign Service.
Efficiency Reports by Ridgway B. Knight
June 1960 Now that several years have elapsed since the adoption of the present system of preparing efficiency ratings, the time may have come for reviewing its provisions which assure to the rated officer access to the entire report.
Basic Questions on the Writing of Efficiency Reports by Arthur A. Ageton and Everett K. Melby
December 1960 Certainly some of us have failed to accept and exercise our responsibility with regard to efficiency reports. Deep-seated personality difficulties of an officer and faults of a wife or other family member are most difficult to discuss. But a senior office must have the moral courage to include such discussion in his remarks and indicate to the officer where lies his trouble.
The Foreign Service Assignment Process by John Ordway
June 1963 The average Foreign Service officer has a very hazy idea about how the assignment process works. It is hoped that the following paragraphs might serve to explain the mysteries of assignment with particular emphasis on the mechanics of the process.
Margin for the Maturing Process by Frederic L. Chapin
March 1967 This means that the concerns of the junior officer can be addressed only in the context of the Service as a whole; the junior officers have made it clear that they see it the same way. What follows is an effort to put the question of junior officer advancement in that larger context.
Members with a Difference by John O. Grimes
May 1985 The Foreign Service Act, which recognizes FSNs as full members of the Service but characterizes them as “clerical, administrative, technical, and support personnel,” does not adequately convey the quality of their contribution.
Improvements Are Being Made in FSN Administration by Ernest C. Ruehle
June 1985 Thank you, Mr. Grimes, for giving us an opportunity to talk about the direction in which we’re going. As director of the Office of Foreign Service National Personnel, I would like to comment on what we have been doing recently.
On the Education of Diplomats – A Commentary by Paul M. Kattenburg
April 1971 We can start by observing that attorneys become such upon completing law school, doctors upon completing medical school, and so on and so forth. But diplomats do not as a general rule prepare in “diplomacy.”
Talking to Mr. Syplogoo by Michael A.G. Michaud
September 1986 You will look at bids, staffing patterns, check position numbers, personnel audit reports, negotiate with colleagues, and take heat from bureau directors. You will feel removed from the policy mainstream and resented by other bureaus. Yet what you do has a very real impact on the lives of colleagues and on the effectiveness of U.S. diplomacy.
Smarter Recruiting: A Short-Timer’s View by Emi Lynn Yamauchi
January 2001 Recruiting for Human Resources was a wonderful experience. It was rejuvenating and reinvigorating to meet so many people on university campuses who could contribute a great deal to the Foreign Service. For many we are their first choice for a career. We should do better at deserving that honor.
Who Is the “Total Candidate?” FSO Hiring Today by Shawn Dorman
June 2008 By government standards, the changes to the Foreign Service generalist entry process have been made at warp speed. To understand the changes being implemented, the Journal spoke with officials in the Bureau of Human Resources, the Office of Recruitment, Examination and Employment, and the Board of Examiners.
“The Movement to Empower Locally Engaged Staff” by Michael Bricker
June 2008 At first glance, the idea does indeed provide a cozy feeling that fits with our egalitarian tradition. But in fact if we move ahead with Locally Engaged Staff empowerment, we may need to have plenty of fire trucks standing by.
EERs: The Forgotten Front in the War for Talent by Jonathan Fritz
June 2009 The Employee Evaluation Reports we spend so much time writing every year fail to give promotion panels a useful means for comparing officers to their peers. The result is promotions that are far more random that they should be.
Overhauling the EER Process by Tyler Sparks
September 2012 Now that another Employee Evaluation Review season has mercifully come to a close, it seems clearer than ever that our personnel evaluation system is broken. It wastes a staggering amount of time each year, effectively shutting down offices, embassies and consulates for weeks as Foreign Service officers scurry to get their reviews just right – only to produce inflated, subjective and non-quantitative evaluations that are of dubious value to promotion panels.
“Up or Out” is Harming American Foreign Policy by George B. Lambrakis
September 2014 The “up or out” system for career advancement in the Foreign Service was introduced as an improvement in the Foreign Service Act of 1980, but it has instead damaged the Service. It should be repealed.
The New Specialists by Francesca Kelly
October 2014 Here is a look at the wide world of Foreign Service Specialists. We explore who they are, the many critical things they do, and how their work has evolved with our changing times.
Specialists Reflect on Their Work by Collected Authors
October 2014 The Journal invited AFSA members who are specialists to share stories and thoughts on their own experience in a particular specialty or the career track generally. Here is a selection of the responses we received.
What Specialists Want You To Know by Collected Authors
October 2014 Specialists share their perspectives on working in their particular specialty and how they see their role in the Foreign Service.
The State Department Needs to Reevaluate Its Use of 360-Degree Reviews by William Bent
September 2015 If used correctly, 360-degree reviews can be a valuable tool for an organization seeking to develop its workforce and foster a culture of leadership and management excellence. The increasing use of 360s in organizations, including the State Department, stems from the recognition that a performance appraisal alone does not give a full picture of an employee’s effectiveness and potential.
George Kennan on Diplomacy As a Profession by George Kennan
July-August 2015 In 1961, the legendary diplomat talked with his colleagues at AFSA about the profession of diplomacy.
FS Personnel Evaluation, 1925-1955: A Unique View by Nicholas J. Willis
March 2016 The evolution of personnel evaluations at State is reflected in the dossier of Frances Elizabeth Willis, the first woman to make a career of the Foreign Service.
Examining State’s Foreign Service Officer Hiring Today by Glenn H. Guimond
July-August 2016 Here's an inside look at the process of becoming a Foreign Service officer, considered the “gold standard” in professional recruitment.
A Roadmap for New Hires: 30 Rules to Survive and Thrive by Stephen G. McFarland
July-August 2016 An experienced FSO ambassador identifies the unique attributes Foreign Service personnel should have and offers a guide to acquiring and perfecting them.
Reforming Entry-Level Assignments by Andrew Kelly
July-August 2016 The consequences of officers never serving in their assigned cone at the entry level are real, both for individual officers seeking to learn their craft and for the overall health of a Service that depends on well-rounded generalists.
In Pursuit of Transparency in Assignment Restriction Policies by Christina T. Le and Thomas T. Wong
September 2017 Lack of fairness and transparency in the assignment restrictions process undercuts both employees and the State Department. Asian-American employees took it on.
Who is the Future of the Foreign Service by Barbara Bodine
September 2018 Career public servants at all levels and specialties make diplomacy work. How do we find them, keep them, grow them?
Advocating for Foreign Service Nationals by Safia AL-Saad
December 2018 I can still remember writing my campaign paragraph asking FSNs around the world to elect me to USAID’s FSN Advocacy Council. My work experience prepared me for articulating FSNs’ wants and desires with respect to enhancing their future career paths and livelihoods.
A Worldwide FSN Association at State: Advancing a Practical Dream by Eddy Olislaeger
December 2018 Locally Employed staff of the U.S. Department of State—also known as Foreign Service Nationals, deserve to have a professional organization of their own, one that represents them within the department. Yet, unlike the two other main groups of employees, LE staff have no organization to represent them, to safeguard their interests, and to promote excellence and professionalism among their ranks.
What Local Staff Want You to Know by Collected Authors
December 2018 Locally employed staff around the world offer their perspectives on working for U.S. missions.
Economic Officers for the Future by Charles Ries
January-February 2019 New appreciation for the centrality of economics in foreign policy makes it an ideal time to throw light on the making of an economic officer.
Improving the Economic Career Track by Virginia Bennett
January-February 2019 …the economic officers whose files we read were having a hard time documenting the potential to serve successfully at a more senior level. As an economic-coned officer, I found this perplexing and troubling.
Straight Talk on Bidding: What You Need to Know Before Trying for that Heavily Bid Job by Paul Poletes
April 2019 Most of the time, bidders’ hopes are misplaced. For many, their dreams of working in Rome or Singapore are doomed even before bidding season begins, a victim of unrealistic expectations and not understanding how assignment decisions are made. Think you’ve got what it takes to land one of those “dream jobs”? Here’s what you need to know.
Foreign Service Families
Our Foreign Service Wives by Frances Hull
April 1934 An appreciation of Foreign Service wives, whose support makes their husband’s jobs easier overseas.
On Repatriation of a Foreign Service Wife by Charlottle Littell
December 1952 A Foreign Service spouse discusses the problems of returning to the United States after serving abroad with her husband.
Wriston Report: The Feminine View by Alice Raine
May 1955 Following the Wriston Report, many Civil Service wives did not want their husbands to join the Foreign Service. The author asks, “can Foreign Service wives reassure them”?
A Service Teenager Reflects by Don Emmerson
November 1955 A teenager in the Foreign Service discusses what makes teenage TCKs different and why, based on his own experiences.
Stop Feeling Sorry for your Children by Ann Miller Morin
September 1960 A recent survey of Foreign Service kids shows the advantages and difficulties of growing up overseas.
The Foreign Service Wife by Jack Perry
February 1969 The wives of American diplomats have unique social advantages and exhibit strong personalities not only due to the great freedom they enjoy, but also the trials such freedom incurs.
Who’s the Kids’ Advocate by Thomas Kelly
September 1973 With the usual Stateside support systems unavailable, who at the Department of State is advocating for children’s welfare overseas.
Resolution of the Wives’ Dilemma by Carroll Russell Sherer
October 1973 “I didn’t join the Foreign Service, my husband did”, is a common complaint. What to do when you want to be divorced from your spouse’s career, but not your spouse.
Freshman Fears by Nancy Piet-Pelon
July 1990 How do Foreign Service kids returning to go to college cope with a new country, as well as the increased workload and independence that comes with a “typical” college experience?
One Step Ahead for Spouses by Katrina Ecton
May 1991 A great deal has to be done to assist spouses overseas, but also at home as they struggle with gaps in their resumes and unintelligible job titles.
The Great Divorce by Jewell Fenzi
June 1992 Following a 1972 directive on the role of Foreign Service spouses, the department has been losing its representative family make-up overseas, argues Jewell Fenzi.
Unwilling Unemployment by Barbara Frechette
June 1992 Unwilling to do unpaid “support” work, but unable to find paid roles overseas, what other options are there for Foreign Service spouses?
Helping a Spouse Find Work Abroad by Francine Modderno
September 1994 More than ever, both partners in dual-income families are demanding meaningful jobs. How does this work with the Foreign Service lifestyle?
A Chat with FLO
September 1994 U.S. Embassy populations are more diverse than 20 years ago, with more single parents, tandem couples and dependent parents. The Journal speaks with the director of the Family Liaison Office about what those changes mean for FS families.
Caring for Mom and Dad by Louise Belanger
September 1994 For those living abroad, the struggle of trying to care for both the young and the old is both tempered and intensified by distance.
A Mother Copes with Separation by Karen Krebsbach
September 1994 A Foreign Service officer discusses her experience losing custody of her children–because she was moving abroad for her job.
FS Families’ Health Tracked by Francine Modderno
April 1996 For more than 10 years, the Medical Services unit gathered data on the health of Foreign Service members and families overseas. This article discusses some of the outcomes of the survey.
Reflections from a Stay-at-home Man by Richard Gilbert
April 1996 At most embassies overseas, “spouse” is gender-specific. But what about the increasing number of male “trailing spouses”?
The Learning-Disabled Child Abroad by Sally L. Smith
December 1998 Living abroad, especially in less developed countries, can be a real problem for parents of learning-disabled children. This article presents some tips on making the best of the resources available.
Caregiving from 10,000 Miles Away by Ronald Trigg
March 1998 How can Foreign Service officers cope with elder care considerations when posted overseas? The author shares his experiences.
Marriage Across the Miles by Francine Modderno
July-August 1999 How do Foreign Service employees cope with physical separation?
Homeschooling FS Kids? It Worked For Us by Pat Olsen
December 2000 Homeschooling is a viable option for keeping your children’s grades up, even in the farthest-flung postings.
In Search of That Special School by Melanie Kerber
June 2001 For children with learning difficulties, finding the right school (whether overseas or in the United States), can make a world of difference.
A Career Built for Two by Tatiana C. Gfoeller and Michael Gfoeller
May 2002 A tandem couple since 1984, the authors offer their tips on making Foreign Service careers work, together.
Deathwatch by Herbert L. Treger
May 2002 It can be tough to be away from family during times of crisis at home…the author discusses one of the disadvantages to working overseas.
The Reality of Foreign Service Spousal Employment by Shawn Dorman
May 2002 Employment for Foreign Service family members has become an increasingly critical issue for recruiting and retaining employees. But how can it be done.
Going with the FLO…A Talk with Director Faye Barnes by Susan Maitra
May 2002 With a small staff and a broad client base, the Family Liaison Office are getting down to business, helping Foreign Service members and their families posted abroad.
Letter to a Foreign Service Spouse on Life Insurance by Edward J. Michal
December 2002 Reviewing life insurance often falls to the bottom of people’s to-do lists; in an open letter, the author discusses why it should be a priority.
Christmas in July: Holidays as a Foreign Service Child by Mikkela Thompson
June 2003 A child raised in the Foreign Service can appreciate new and diverse cultures, while retaining a sense of tradition–especially around the holidays.
Dip Kids Fill Void at U.S. Colleges by Antje Schiffler
June 2005 With international students decreasing, American universities are looking to youth who grew up overseas to provide a global perspective in the classroom.
FLO is Here to Help with Career-Employment Issues by Donna Ayerst
November 2005 The Family Liaison Office explain how they advocate on behalf of family members and bring their employment concerns to the State Department.
Learning to Drive as an FS Kid by Ingrid Ahlgren
June 2007 A collection of personal stories and practical advice from Foreign Service kids who learn to drive while their parents are posted overseas.
Going It Alone: Family Life in the ‘New’ Foreign Service by Kelly Bembry Midura
June 2008 Most Foreign Service employees will serve an unaccompanied tour during their careers. This article examines the kind of support their families can expect.
Support For Unaccompanied Assignments by Bridget Roddy
March 2009 A look at just what the State Department can do to help during an unaccompanied tour.
Coping with Separation: Tandem Couples by Annie Simpkins
March 2009 Besides the obvious personal difficulties, separated tandem couples face an expensive tour with minimal financial aid.
An Evacuation Survival Guide by Kelly Armstrong
March 2009 Chances are that most Foreign Service families will undergo an ordered departure. Former FSO Kelly Armstrong provides some tips on how to make the best of it.
When an FS Spouse Comes “Home”: A Study by Sharon Maybarduk
April 2009 Re-entry to the U.S. after living overseas involves adjustments that are not always easy. This study identifies some of the fault lines between success and failure.
‘Virtually’ There: FS Spouses Build Careers Without Borders by Katherine Jacobs and Carolyn Ho
September 2009 More than ever before, Foreign Service spouses and partner are pursuing successful careers in their own right. Here, two FS spouses explain how.
Sharing Custody, Diplomatically by Victoria Hirschland
May 2011 A divorce settlement gave these Foreign Service children time with both parents and the unexpected gift of travel skills.
Forever Tandem by Teresa Chin Jones
May 2011 Achieving work-life balance is like personal engineering, and comes with the same trade offs that all engineers face in getting things done.
Trailing Tandem by Clayton Bond
May 2011 Perhaps one day no trailing tandem who wants to work will have to take leave without pay to join a spouse or partner at post.
Navigating Life’s Unexpected Realities by Jen Dinoia
May 2011 No matter how carefully a family prepares for an unaccompanied tour, life has a way of throwing curves at them.
When Boarding Schools are an Option by Leah Wallace
December 2011 Boarding schools often provide much needed continuity for Foreign Service families.
FS Spousal Employment: Slow But Steady Progress by Shawn Zeller
April 2012 It’s getting easier for Foreign Service family members to find meaningful employment overseas, but there is still a long way to go.
Patience: The Key to Successful EFM Employment by Jen Dinoia
April 2012 Eligible Family Members can land amazing jobs with the right combination of flexibility, preparation and, yes, luck.
Local Employment in Mozambique and Brazil by Raquel Lima Miranda
April 2012 Is it possible to live and work overseas, pursuing a professional career, despite frequent moves? Absolutely!
HOC Rocks! (Husbands of Chennai) by Aileen Crowe Nandi
April 2012 The “husbands of Chennai” has become a way to forge friendships and build a community among trailing husbands of consulate employees.
My So-Called Career by Francesca Kelly
April 2012 The career you start with probably won’t be the one you end with, explains one Foreign Service spouse.
A Diplomat’s Wife by Kate Matheson
June 2012 What does it mean for your own identity and wellbeing to follow your spouse overseas?
The Impact of Transitions on Foreign Service Families by T. Dhyan Summers
December 2012 Those who work overseas, particularly Foreign Service members, experience frequent transitions. Here are some tips on coping with the disruptions they can cause.
Thinking Through Educational Options For Your FS Child by Rebecca Grappo
June 2013 Choosing a school for your FS child is not just about feeding the mind, but also feeding the young person’s appropriate social and emotional development. This article gives some tips on how to make the right choice.
A Practical Guide to International Divorce in the Foreign Service by Elizabeth Fitzsimmons and Richard Seipert
December 2013 Navigating a divorce while remaining an effective member of the Foreign Service can feel absolutely overwhelming. This article offers tips on how to survive this massive life change.
A “Trailing” Spouse? by Jessie Bryson
March 2014 A millennial commentator shares her reaction to joining the ranks of the Foreign Service community.
When School is Hard by Michelle Grappo
June 2014 What do you do when your child is struggling in school? This article can help get you started on identifying and solving the problem.
Child Custody Issues in Foreign Service Divorces by Susan Keogh, Ann La Porta, and Diane Holt
October 2014 A primer on the custody issues involved in Foreign Service divorces and how to approach them.
Going Back to Work: A Step-by-Step Guide for FS Spouses by Anna Sparks
September 2015 One of the great challenges of Foreign Service life is how an FS spouse can maintain or develop a career. This article provides some practical tips.
Raising FS Kids by John K. Naland
November 2015 Get to know the nonprofit groups and State Department offices that offer a social safety net for FS youth.
Multilingual Matters: How FS Students Can Make the Most of Language-Rich Experiences Abroad by Marybeth Hunter and Christine Brown
December 2015 More and more Foreign Service families are choosing to educate their children in a language other than that spoken at home. Regional Education Officer and Office of Overseas Schools resident language expert Christine Brown discusses the advantages and challenges of learning in a foreign language.
What About Our Kids? by Kim Deblauw
January-February 2016 Foreign Service children are just as at risk of mental health problems as the average American child, if not more so.
Mental Health Support for FS Children: Parents Weigh In
June 2016 Foreign Service children are just as at risk for mental health problems as the average American child, perhaps even more vulnerable. This is a critical issue for FS families.
Supporting FS Families with Special Needs Children by Maureen M. Danzot and Mark R. Evans
June 2016 Two parents discuss the Special Needs Education Allowance and the challenges of raising children with special needs in the Foreign Service.
Taking on Family Member Employment. Really! by Debra Blome
July-August 2016 Family member employment is a critical issue for members of the U.S. Foreign Service. The State Department finally seems to be taking it seriously.
Tandem Couples: Serving Together, Apart by Fred Odisho and Whitney Dubinsky
July-August 2016 Two Foreign Service Officers discuss some of the unique challenges they face as part of tandem couple.
MED’s Child and Family Program, Explained by Kathy Gallardo
September 2016 An authoritative account of the aims of the Children and Family Program, presented as part of the Journal’s ongoing discussion of concerns regarding support for children and families overseas.
Raising Multilingual Children in the Foreign Service by Nicole Schaeffer-McDaniel and Jennifer Kirk Dinoia
December 2017 Raising children in more than one language is seldom straightforward and can leave parents second-guessing their approach. This article looks at the challenges and how to meet them.
Foreign Service Retirement
The Art of Retiring by E.B. Hosking
February 1960 Retire as soon as you are pensionable, as early as possible; you will then still be young and fit enough to start a new life. A bow overdrawn is never the same again; if you work yourself to a finish, you are finished.
Academia Abroad: A Logical Next Step by Richard Jackson
February 2010 Working in overseas educational institutions abroad can in many ways be more “Foreign Service” than today’s diplomatic corps.
Writing as a Second Career by David T. Jones
February 2010 Working for the U.S. government in one guise or another is familiar and comfortable, but there are many other outlets worth pursuing.
Retiree Access, Step by Step by Mary Ellen Gilroy
January-February 2016 Access to various State Department buildings—Main State (HST), SA-1 (medical and retirement offices) and the National Foreign Affairs Training Center—is an issue of serious concern for retirees. I don’t know how the other foreign affairs agencies acknowledge their retirees; but if they are anything like the State Department, their retirees may share some of the concerns I discuss here.
What We’re Doing Now by Collected Authors
May 2016 We asked members to reflect on what they wished they had known earlier about retirement and what advice they would give their younger selves on planning for it. We asked what they wish they had known before joining the Foreign Service. And we asked them to tell us about their interesting post-FS lives, including advice for others who may want to take a similar path.
Life After the Foreign Service – What We Are Doing Now, Part II by Collected Authors
July-August 2016 We asked members to reflect on what they wished they had known earlier about retirement and what advice they would give their younger selves on planning for it. We asked what they wish they had known before joining the Foreign Service. And we asked them to tell us about their interesting post-FS lives, including advice for others who may want to take a similar path.
Are You Retirement Ready? by Donna Scaramastra Gorman
January-February 2018 Experts explain how to prepare for retirement throughout your career, from your first days on the job until you turn in your badge on the last day.
10 Things I Wish I had Known: Confessions of a Recent Retiree by Dolores Brown
October 2018 Retirement sneaks up on you— and it doesn’t. I prepped for it over many years, methodically putting money away, deciding on my retirement destination of choice…I knew I wanted to do more, but I wasn’t sure what. I also thought I knew what I needed to know. I was wrong. Here are 10 things I wish I had known as the big day closed in.
Retirement Planning 101 by John K. Naland
April 2020 It may be years away, but the sooner you think about and plan for your retirement, the better it will be.
Foreign Service Women / Women in Diplomacy
The Appointment of Lucile Atcherson
January 1923 The appointment of Miss Lucile Atcherson, of Columbus, Ohio, to be a third secretary of embassy or legation was confirmed by the Senate on December 4, 1922. Miss Atcherson is the first woman to be appointed to a career post in the American Foreign Service.
When There’s a Willis There’s a Way by Val Paraiso
February 1969 These many “firsts” received some perverse publicity that often tended to obscure Miss Willis’ real career achievements. As she puts it, “much of the publicity about my career was because I was ‘the first woman ever to do’ whatever it was. … For approximately thirty-five years, that is until I retired in 1964, I could not escape from being the senior woman in the Service.”
Today’s Junior Officer—Female Interviews by Constance V. Stuck
February 1969 How do junior female Foreign Service officers see the Foreign Service and the world they live in? How do they see themselves? Highlights of their interviews follow.
An Interview with Margaret Mead on the Woman Diplomat by John M. Cates Jr.
February 1969 Intrigued with the idea of the FSJ devoting an issue to the theme of women in world affairs, I happily took off one afternoon to discuss with that paragon of successful women, Margaret Mead, the problems, the possibilities and the challenges for women in the career Foreign Service.
Feminism in Foggy Bottom: Man’s World, Woman’s Place? by Sandy Vogelgesang
August 1972 Bad news! A “movement” is invading the sanctum sanctorum. One speaker at a recent Foreign Service gathering warned that the message of women’s rights represents more of a threat to the traditional State Department than does Henry Kissinger.
Women in The Foreign Service: A Quiet Revolution by Barbara J. Good
January 1981 Improving the condition and rights of women, both in the United States and worldwide, is a formidable task; we are aware that we have embarked on a long journey where progress is hard to measure. But, looking back at the Foreign Service over the last decade, progress is visible while far from enough.
How are FS Women at State Faring? by Margot Carrington
May 2013 AFSA State Vice President Louise Crane posed a provocative question: “How Are Foreign Service Women at State Faring?” Her findings indicated women were being promoted within the Senior Foreign Service at rates equal to men, yet proportionately fewer women were being selected for chief-of-mission positions.
EW@S: Supporting and Mentoring Female Leaders by Cynthia Saboe
May 2013 Five years after its founding, Executive Women at State has become a strong advocate of gender parity and diversity, within both the Foreign Service and Civil Service.
Lucile Atcherson Curtis: The First Female U.S. Diplomat by Molly M. Wood
July-August 2013 In 1922, the first woman permitted to take the Foreign Service exam passed with the third-highest score that year. But it was only the first of many hurdles she faced.
Challenging Tradition Excerpts from Elinor Constable, Phyllis Oakley and Mary Olmsted
March 2016 This selection of excerpts from the oral histories of three retired female Foreign Service officers—Elinor Constable, Phyllis Oakley and Mary Olmsted—brings to life the atmosphere of the Foreign Service in the second half of the 20th century. These are but a few voices from that era, but they convey the spirit and determination of the generation that witnessed and helped open the way for women in the career Foreign Service.
On Assignment with Maxine Desilet, 1949–1955 by Suzanne Cofer
March 2016 After resigning her existing position and attending to personal affairs, she reported to Washington, D.C., on April 1, 1949. She considered herself lucky, because during the postwar years thousands were applying to join the U.S. Foreign Service. What follows are excerpts from her letters home and her efficiency reports.
Foreign Service Women Today: The Palmer Case and Beyond by Andrea Strano
March 2016 Alison Palmer launched the legal battle for female equality at the State Department in 1968 with the first equal employment opportunity complaint ever heard from the Foreign Service. She followed her 1971 victory in that case with a class-action suit on behalf of all women in the U.S. Foreign Service. Today’s impartial entrance criteria, evaluation and promotion policies, and assignments processes all stem in large part from “the Palmer Case,” which was fought in various phases over more than 30 years.
Federal Women’s Program for the Future by Thao Anh Tran and Kristin Stewart
March 2016 The FWP’s roots go back to 1961 when President John F. Kennedy created the Commission on the Status of Women to examine barriers facing women in the federal government and to enhance employment opportunities for women in every area of federal service. At the State Department, the FWP helps ensure that women receive equal opportunity in recruitment, selection, training and advancement in the Foreign and Civil Services.
Ten Leadership Tips for Aspiring Women by Erin Soto
March 2016 I offer my top 10 recommendations for professional advancement. While they are not only for Foreign Service women, I offer them with FS women in mind, and with the hope that sharing practical suggestions based on what I’ve learned about leadership during the course of a Foreign Service career and beyond will help set you on the path of a rewarding life and successful career.
A Pioneer in Saudi Arabia by Andrea Farsakh
March 2016 In the Middle East, one female officer found embassy management a greater obstacle than the conservative local culture.
Making It Work: Conversations with Female Ambassadors Interviews Conducted by Leslie Bassett
July-August 2017 During a virtual ambassadors’ roundtable, initiated by the group Women Ambassadors Serving America, seven female envoys agreed to share their experiences building both their careers and their families, and the specific successes and challenges they encountered along the way.
Coming into Their Own ‘Write’—A Look Back at an FS Women’s Writers’ Group by Francesca Huemer Kelly
November 2018 During the days when most Foreign Service spouses were called “wives” and a female FSO had to resign if she got married, a small, resourceful group of FS women writers came together to get their work published. They were members of the Association of American Foreign Service Women Writers’ Group, formed in 1965 by Elizabeth “Biffy” Sanders.
Frontline Diplomacy
The FSO’s in Manila by Cabot Coville
June 1942 Hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor Japanese forces descended on Manila, and American FSOs struggled to evacuate after being cut off for weeks.
The Cuban Missile Crisis by Robert A. Hurwitch
July 1971 An FSO recounts high-level policy deliberations that transpired as nuclear missile-ferrying Soviet ships inched closer to Cuba.
From Pearl Harbor to Potsdam by Charles W. Yost
September 1980 An FSO describes wartime duties that span some of the most consequential discussions and conferences that devised the post-war international order.
Escape from Mogadishu by James K. Bishop
March 1991 An ambassador recalls the harrowing experience of evacuating from Mogadishu as the Somali city experienced a violent uprising.
Human Rights
Morality and Human Rights in Foreign Policy by John L. Washburn
May 1977 The Carter administration has just taken office, and is now looking to make human rights a central concern in its conduct of foreign policy.
Human Rights and International Order by James Nathan
February 1978 A policy of human rights, like a policy which seeks to delimit “aggression,” knows no natural limit. But if a policy geared to the protection of human rights is to be selective, how is the selection to be made?
Human Rights and American Policy in Africa by Armistead Lee
October 1978 Whether considering quiet diplomacy or public confrontation, linking human rights to other conditions in Africa has proven to be a delicate challenge.
Why Bother about Human Rights? by Sandy Vogelgesang
May 1980 Some have belittled campaigns to emphasize human rights as “moralistic crusades,” yet there are many legal, cultural and pragmatic incentives for taking a strong stand for human rights.
The Unaccepted Challenge by Tom Shannon
May 1989 Nothing in my training or experience prepared me for the work I was called upon to do in a country once described as the worst offender of human rights in the world…Aside from the operational problems, human rights reporting differs from most embassy reporting in four significant ways.
Diplomacy’s Orphans: New Issues in Human Rights by Tom Shannon
September 1991 We are living through a period of quiet but profound change in the international human rights agenda, which will post new diplomatic challenges to the United States. While the principal human rights issue of the 1980s – political repression – will remain our primary human rights concern through this decade, several new issues have emerged that do not easily fit into our traditional understanding of human rights.
Improving State’s Human Rights Reports by Julien LeBourgeois
September 1991 State’s annual human rights reports have been susceptible over time to faddish public and congressional preoccupations, and to changing Executive Branch criteria.
Ideological Warrior: An Interview with Michael Novak by John Harter
September 1991 Michael Novak served as the U.S. Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Commission, and discusses what it’s like to defend human rights at the U.N.
The Feminization of Human Rights by Arvonne Fraser
December 1993 An acknowledgement that women, too, have human rights has been long in coming. But the establishment of separate UN commissions on human rights and on the status of women confirmed the distinction between human rights and the equal rights of women.
General Pinochet and the Human Rights Conundrum by George Gedda
December 1999 What do you do with an ex-dictator with a nasty human rights record? A Spanish judge has forced the world to face up to that thorny problem—whether it wants to or not.
Putting Human Rights Back on the Agenda by Ed McWilliams
April 2003 For over the past decade, U.S. pro-democracy and human rights leverage has been squandered. If not corrected soon, the results could be disastrous.
After Abu Ghraib: The U.S. Human Rights Agenda by George Gedda
December 2004 There is no question that the prisoner abuse scandal hurt America’s reputation. But the Bush administration has pushed forward with efforts to expand the U.S. human rights agenda, and enjoyed some successes.
Honoring Patt Derian by Diana Page
January 2010 Nearly three decades after leaving office, the first assistant secretary for human rights receives a rare tribute.
Human Rights, China and 21st-Century Diplomacy by Michael Posner
September 2012 Developments in China offer new opportunities to reframe the approach to bilateral discussions of human rights.
A Human Rights Dialogue with Congress by Robert McMahon
June 2013 Policymaking on human rights issues is sometimes hindered by poor relations between State and Capitol Hill. Fortunately, there are ways to improve cooperation.
Promoting an LGBT-Inclusive Human Rights Agenda by Richmond Blake
June 2015 The progress of LGBT rights in Europe and the Americas has elicited a backlash in other parts of the world. Strong U.S. leadership can help reverse this alarming trend and mitigate the threat of widespread violence.
Stout Hearts Required by FSJ Editorial
April 1950 Those of us stationed in Washington this spring have been witnesses to as unpleasant a series of events as any of us can remember. A senator has attacked the integrity of the Department of State, which he accuses of harboring Communists, and this attack has reached out to include a distinguished ambassador and Foreign Service officer.
Career Vs. Conscience by FSJ Editorial
July 1951 The Foreign Service officer today is searching his conscience and examining his job in a way previously unknown to his experience. He finds a calling which has claimed his abiding loyalty and his unexpressed but deep sense of devotion to country, is being assailed and degraded by irresponsible demagogues.
“…pertinent excerpts…” by John S. Service
October 1951 What is ominous is a public investigation which by “interpretation” ascribes a meaning to a report that is unwarranted or opposite to the writer’s intent. A recent example is the treatment a few weeks ago by the Senate Judiciary Committee of a memorandum I wrote in April 1944.
The Service Case by FSJ Editorial
January 1952 The conclusion of the Loyalty Review Board that “there is a reasonable doubt” as to the loyalty of John S. Service is cause for grave disquiet among all members of the Foreign Service.
Truth Pursues by FSJ Editorial
February 1952 The recently reported results of a study by Professor Hart that 50 statement by Senator McCarthy concerning the State Department are “radically at variance with the facts” calls to our attention once more the damage done by the demagogues.
Report on the Service Case by AFSA News
May 1952 Because of the direct and tangible interests of every member of the Foreign Service in the loyalty case of John S. Service – who was dismissed on the demand of the Loyalty Review Board – the Journal is reporting on the present state of the case.
John Carter Vincent by FSJ Editorial
April 1953 The vindication of the name of John Carter Vincent has come as welcome news to the Foreign Service. The stigma of disloyalty is a terrible thing, and all members of the Foreign Service will welcome the decision of Secretary Dulles to reverse the findings of the Loyalty Review Board.
Bohlen Debate by Lois Perry Jones
May 1953 It is important that in our exercise of the advice-and-consent clause of the Constitution, as a Senate, we follow a course of action that will send to Moscow a strong ambassador, and not one who we have destroyed before we send him there.
China and the Foreign Service January 1952
March 1973 To the Department, the reversal implies that its Loyalty Security Board, despite carefully selected members and diligence in its examinations, is either inept or biased or both.
“Why Policy Makers Do Not Listen” by Barbara Tuchman
March 1973 We have gathered to honor a group of Foreign Service officers – represented in the person of Jack Service – whom history has recognized as having been right; and not only history, but even, by act if not by acknowledgement, the present administration.
Foreign Service Reporting by John Service
March 1973 The group of officers you are remembering today have some things in common beyond shared experiences in China and post-China. One of these is that we were primarily political reporting officers, but another is that we are all strong-minded individuals. To pretend to speak for this group would be foolhardy. I speak for myself alone.
“Only in Rejection Could There Be Vindication” by John Service
March 1974 The situation in China appears to be developing in some ways that are not conducive to effective prosecution of the war, nor to China’s future peace and unity.
“On All the Evidence” by O. Edmund Clubb
December 1974 I asked to be informed of the basis of the decision of my termination. Humelsine replied, in what should become a classic in jurisprudence, that “The Board felt that you were less than fully frank.”
“The Case of John Paton Davies, Jr.” by James Fetzer
November 1977 It is clear that the search for Communist subversives that took place in the United States reached beyond the pursuit of leftists. John Davies’ troubles in particular were not limited to questions about his reporting during World War II or the direction taken by the federal loyalty-security program.
The McCarthy Years Inside the Department Of State by John W. Ford
November 1980 Few people who lived through the McCarthy era in the Department of State can ever forget the fear, intimidation, and sense of outrage which permeated Foggy Bottom. As a Foreign Service officer, I found myself caught up in that political whirlwind in which reputations were jeopardized, integrity questioned, and disloyalty frequently presumed.
“John S. Service A Cold War Lightning Rod” by Hannah Gurman
November 2010 Most Americans first heard of John Service in February 1950 after Senator Joseph McCarthy gave his famous speech claiming he had a list of 205 State Department employees who were members of the Communist Party. Service was near the top of McCarthy’s list.
“The McCarthy Witch Hunt – Who ‘Lost’ China?” Excerpts from John S. Service
March 2014 Service was fired in December 1951. Six years later, the Supreme Court ordered his reinstatement, but the damage to the Foreign Service and U.S. Asia policy was done.
NATO
Jefferson’s NATO by Carl Charlick
July 1954 Thomas Jefferson had his own challenging experiences in organizing a coalition of states to deal with a common threat.
The USRO and American Foreign Policy by Staff Members of the USRO
February 1955 The USRO coordinated and navigated the surge in diplomatic activity in the early years of the NATO alliance.
European Defense: A Return to Brussels by Colin Gordon
November 1971 European nations have often struggled to harmonize economic integration with defense integration.
The Atlantic Alliance by Charles R. Foster and Richard Albright
June 1981 New administrations have often taken office with hopes to reinvigorate NATO, but alliance politics guarantee challenges to any reform-minded agenda.
Nuclear Diplomacy
The Man Who Made Arms Control ‘Respectable’: An Interview with William C. Foster by Nicholas Ruggieri
February 1971 Pretty soon, what had seemed a sort of pastime began to attract the very real interest of the Department of Defense, the Atomic Energy Commission and, of course, that of our landlord, the State Department. Some of the brightest minds in the fields of foreign affairs, defense and science joined us. But most important, we had a law—the Arms Control and Disarmament Act of 1961—to help us get things done.
Arms Control and the Military Man: An Interview with Lt. Gen. John J. Davis by Nicholas Ruggieri
February 1971 My initial reaction upon being assigned to duty with the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency was one of extreme skepticism about the value of such an agency.… On the other hand, I have found that the U.S. attitude toward arms control has been changing slowly over the years, and that there is a growing awareness of the fact that the basic objective of ACDA and DOD is the same, and that is to enhance our national security and that of our allies.
The Prevention of Nuclear War in a World of Uncertainty by Fred C. Iklé
May 1974 Since nuclear policy cannot possibly be based on actual experience—let us hope and pray it never can—it tends to feed on itself. It gets no feedback from the real world, no empirical evidence of the incontrovertible kind that buttresses the physical and even the social sciences.
France, NATO and Tactical Nuclear Weapons by John R. Countryman
May 1977 To understand the possibilities now open for greater cooperation between the NATO alliance and France, one must look at the political situation in France, at the concerns of the alliance regarding nuclear strategy, and the link between these two provided by the Pluton. This weapon, which was unveiled in 1975 and is due to go into full service this year, is, as we shall see, a weapons system in search of a European role.
The Challenges and Dangers of Nuclear Weapons: American Foreign Policy and Strategy, 1941-1961 by Barton J. Berstein
September 1978 Were there missed opportunities in these years for a settlement of the arms race? Had Roosevelt or Truman approached the Soviets on the A-bomb during World War II, as some scientists urged, perhaps the nuclear race could have been avoided. By 1946, there was no possibility.
Who Trusts the Russians? The Political Issue of Arms Control Verification by Duncan L. Clarke and Robert H. Gromoll, June 1979 Since the “adequacy” of verification is a judgmental determination, there will be differences of opinion. No responsible person “trusts” the Soviet Union, or any other nation, in matters of supreme national importance. Trust is not the issue.
The Essence of the Debate over SALT II by Stephen A. Garrett
October 1979 One of the most striking gaps in the analysis of those opposed to the SALT II treaty is any really systematic discussion of how the United States will in fact be better off if the treaty is rejected. Even if one accepts, for the sake of argument, that a tougher bargain might have been struck with the Russians, simply rejecting SALT as inadequate would be virtually irrelevant to the redressing of the Soviet-American nuclear balance.
A ‘No’ to No-First-Use by David Adamson
September 1982 Even if both sides had declared that they would not use nuclear weapons first, such pledges are inherently unverifiable and unenforceable. By magnifying the likelihood of the outbreak of conventional war, then the approach recommended actually increases the prospect of nuclear war.
Pakistan and the Bomb by Arthur Lezin
September 1982 Is the current administration’s policy likely to be more successful than previous efforts in preventing or delaying the development of Pakistani nuclear weapons? How destabilizing would a Pakistan armed with nuclear weapons be to South Asian regional security?
Restarting START by David Linebaugh and Alexander Peters
January 1983 Today, the United States already has thousands of nuclear weapons it could trade away without jeopardizing its security. And both sides could gain some bargaining leverage from the new and more deadly weapons still under development—a Soviet mobile ICBM, for example, or a U.S. sea-launched cruise missile—providing that leverage is used in negotiations before the weapons are deployed.
Truman, Acheson and the H-Bomb by Barton Bernstein
June 1983 Acheson, already under attack for “losing” China, did not want to face a domestic political battle on why he and Truman were leaving America strategically weak by not pushing for the bomb. As important, for Acheson, his own sense of America’s military and diplomatic needs led him to stress the likely value of the H-bomb.
Accepting Nuclear Weapons by Sam Cohen
September 1983 NATO’S central military problem is that it has opted out of the Nuclear Age, while the Soviets have unhesitatingly accepted it. Neither Americans nor Europeans have been willing to contemplate nuclear weapons seriously as warfighting instruments. The Soviets always have.
ACDA’s Impact on Arms Control and Its Role in the Future by ACDA directors
September 1986 After the founding of the Arms Control and Disarmament Agency 25 years ago, arms control is a far larger and more complicated enterprise than it was in those early years, and in some ways a more difficult one. But 25 years after ACDA’s start, the effort to achieve a real reduction in the nuclear danger has really just begun, and all of us are conscious that we have a long way to go.
Quick March to Disarmament by Paul C. Warnke
March 1992 The nuclear artillery shells and short-range missiles based in Western Europe were intended to offset the presumed conventional superiority of the Warsaw Pact. That pact no longer exists, and its leader, the Soviet Union, has disintegrated. The objective of eliminating all tactical nuclear weapons is no longer unrealistic.
Leashing the Nuclear Menace: India’s Position and First World Responsibilities by General K. Sundarji
June 1992 It is simplistic to believe that the nuclear problem in South Asia is an Indo-Pakistani phenomenon, which could be sorted out between these two countries. India’s primary concern is China, not because of any inherent hostility, but because sturdy fences beget good neighbors. China’s signing the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as a nuclear power does not in any way reduce the Chinese nuclear threat to India, and the impact of the signing on India’s stand will be marginal.
Lowering the Nuclear Threshold: The Specter of North Korea by William Beecher
June 1992 If the United States and other concerned governments conclude that North Korea is attempting to evade its commitments under the NPT or its pledges to South Korea not to acquire either nuclear weapons or reprocessing facilities, a daunting decision will confront the world community.
Almost a Success Story by Lawrence Scheinman
February 1998 The transition from authoritarian to democratic structures, while having an important positive political impact, also has entailed a deterioration of control over nuclear material. Reflecting on a half century of living with nuclear weapons, it is remarkable that despite the broad access to nuclear technology, there exist today only five declared nuclear weapon states, three nuclear-capable states and a few others whose nuclear intentions remain uncertain.
Needed: A New Nuclear Contract by James E. Goodby
July-August 2007 From the beginning of the nuclear era, the U.S. government recognized that in the arena of nuclear weapons, it has no permanent friends, only permanent interests.
U.S. Policy: Interlocking and Reinforcing Elements by Christopher A. Ford
July-August 2007 The Bush administration’s multifaceted approach has contributed significantly to preventing further nuclear weapons proliferation.
Turnabout is Fair Play by Leon V. Sigal
July-August 2007 Washington has put the brakes on North Korea’s nuclear program by opting for talks.
Nukes in Russia: Situation Terrible, But Much Improved by Bob Guldin
July-August 2007 The Cooperative Threat Reduction program has helped Russia and other states make rapid and valuable strides toward securing their at-risk materials and facilities.
Activists and Analysts: The Role of NGOs by Mark Fitzpatrick
July-August 2007 Nongovernmental organizations often do not get much respect, but the global nonproliferation regime would be the poorer without them.
Organizing for Arms Control: 1945-2009 by Pierce S. Corden
December 2009 In the half-century since the failure of the Baruch Plan, the world has witnessed a U.S.-Soviet arms race in which each side deployed tens of thousands of weapons, ready to be launched on short notice—just a single one of which could spell the destruction of a city, its people and its civilization. But it has also witnessed, mainly pursuant to negotiated agreements, rapid reductions in these deployments.
A Nuclear Reductions Primer by Sally K. Horn
December 2009 The significance of the START follow-on Treaty extends beyond the bilateral military relationship between the United States and Russia. The deep reductions that it envisions and the concomitant commitment to seek even deeper reductions in the future also respond to international calls for demonstrated progress toward nuclear disarmament.
The Importance of Verification by Paula A. DeSutter
December 2009 No arms control agreement can succeed unless each party is satisfied with the others’ compliance.
The Case for the CTBT by Daryl G. Kimball
December 2009 Prospects for ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty are much improved. Here is why.
What the Iran Nuclear Deal Says about Making Foreign Policy Today by Dennis Jett
October 2017 Whether driven by ideology, money or both, the debate over the Iran nuclear issue marked a new low in relations between the Republican majorities in Congress and the Obama administration. It also prompted a remarkable, perhaps unprecedented, level of involvement by groups outside of government. … It was a foreign affairs food fight, with positions both for and against the agreement arguing with great passion and intensity.
Offbeat
The Service’s Only Samurai by George P. Waller
December 1922 Watari Ebiharah served the American consulate in Kobe, Japan for 39 years, but earlier in life he served a liege lord as a samurai in the waning days of feudal Japan.
RIF and Return by Melville E. Blake, Jr.
September 1954 An FSO receives an unexpected separation notice, and after a year of life out of government, receives an invitation to return to the Foreign Service.
Jesuit Technical Assistance to the Emperor of China by Martin F. Herz
February 1958 For many years Jesuits cultivated diplomatic and scientific relationships with Imperial China to enable cultural exchange and missionary work.
Post Report From Mars by Buck Dodger
April 1958 An update from Embassy Mars reveals the lifestyle and challenges of a hardship post on the red planet.
The Diplomatic Costume Revolution by Richard B. McCornack
May 1958 In 1853 Secretary of State William Marcy issued a circular establishing new guidance for diplomatic dress that proved controversial with foreign courts abroad.
A Yankee at the Court of the Tsars by Jerome Blum
June 1960 John Quincy Adams was in such dire financial straits while representing the U.S. in Russia that his mother felt compelled to write a letter to President James Madison requesting relief.
Automation and the Foreign Service by Thomas M. Tracy
March 1971 Technology will create new efficiencies in diplomatic work but will require a reexamination of personnel policies and customary methods of doing business.
Interstellar Negotiation by Michael A.G. Michaud
December 1972 Given the sheer likelihood of encountering sentient life amongst the stars in the future, what are the considerations for establishing relations with another intelligent, space-faring species?
Leaks – A Reporter’s Viewpoint by Jim Anderson
November 1980 A diplomatic correspondent describes how leaks happen, the cautions journalists must exercise in sourcing those speaking on background and the relationship between the press and the public.
Confessions of a Washington Ghost Writer by Burke Wilkinson
June 1980 Often at Secretary John Foster Dulles’ command, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Burke Wilkinson would drop everything to help top administration officials prepare speeches, articles and testimony.
Political Appointees
Political Appointee: A Case Study by Winston Smith
January 1980 While the administration has not reached the level of its predecessors in truly egregious appointments, it has appointed ambassadors of obvious—and in at least one case, stunning—unsuitability for the job. This is the tale of one unqualified ambassador – and how to prevent future failures among our political appointees.
Malcolm Toon interview
April 1982 The retired U.S. ambassador to the Soviet Union shares his thoughts on problems with using the Foreign Service as a “dumping ground” for political appointees and the importance of maintaining a professional diplomatic corps.
Politics or Merit? by Sen. Charles Mathias Jr.
April 1982 U.S. Senator Charles Mathias Jr. (R-Md.,) explains why he introduced a bill limiting the number of noncareer ambassadors in 1981.
Staffing State: Three Dilemmas by William Bacchus
December 1982 The evolving nature of international relations will necessitate changes in how the Foreign Service personnel system is designed and run.
Foreign Service Heresy by David T. Jones
June 1989 It is the Foreign Service equivalent of Holy Writ that political appointees are the bane of the professional, career Foreign Service. The corollary is that Foreign Service officers, particularly at senior levels, are more capable than political appointees. Unfortunately, comfortable as these assumptions are, they fall into the category of unproven—and perhaps unproveable—assertions.
Do Political Appointees Need Limits? by Peter Frederick
January 2001 There will always be political appointees in government. However, that does not mean that managerial improvement at FCS is impossible.
Differences in Style: Brandon Grove Talks about Career vs. Non-Career Ambassadors
December 1992 One of the toughest things for non-career people to understand is that holding the line, in terms of the American/foreign country relationship, can itself be a good outcome, that surviving real stresses and strains can be a reflection of success in a relationship. People who don’t know this are often shocked that they can’t get more done quickly and achieve the public recognition they are used to having, for their work as an ambassador.
Political Appointees: A Cost-Benefit Analysis by William F Davnie
November 2006 Most political appointees face massive culture shock when they enter government and arrive at an embassy.
Notes to the New Administration: Please End Political Corruption by Steve Kashkett
January-February 2017 You have a golden opportunity to fulfill your campaign pledge to put a stop to corruption, cronyism and “business as usual” in Washington: End the disgraceful practice of rewarding personal friends and donors with ambassadorships.
Why U.S. Ambassadors Should be Career Professionals by Ed Peck
January-February 2017 The ability to raise millions of dollars for a presidential campaign is a valuable skill. But rewarding a fundraiser with the job of heading a U.S. embassy reveals total ignorance of what the job entails. An ambassador’s responsibilities are numerous, complex and important—sometimes critical. And, as with any and all top management positions, they cannot be effectively carried out by beginners.
Presidents & Foreign Policy
My Day with JFK by Jack Sulser
November 1968 An FSO offers a story about personally facilitating an interaction between President John F. Kennedy and Austrian Federal Chancellor Dr. Alfons Gorbach in Washington.
State and Presidential Leadership by I.M. Destler
September 1971 What can State do to repair trust with an administration that doubts its ability to lead foreign policy formulation?
Presidents and Bureaucrats by Dean Rusk
May 1973 Former Secretary of State Dean Rusk comments on the often challenging relationship between the White House and State, and how professionalism should ultimately guide the Foreign Service through contentious times.
The Foreign Service and Presidential Control of Foreign Policy by Nathaniel Davis
March 1980 The president’s influence on foreign policy is subject to the complexity of managing career professionals and political appointees at the senior-most levels of policymaking.
Truman’s Secret Thoughts on Ending the Korean War by Barton J. Bernstein
November 1980 Recently declassified documents provide crucial insights into policy deliberations during the Korean War as American leadership contemplated escalation and its tenuous relationship with China.
Public Diplomacy
Publicity in Foreign Affairs by H.R. Wilson
July 1926 The intrinsic relationship between State and the media is invaluable in communicating policy and earning support for diplomacy.
Propagandists in World Affairs by Orville C. Anderson
February 1953 In a world where competitors masterfully deceive and influence by distorting reality, how can State hold its own?
Democratic Diplomacy and the Role of Propaganda by Monteagle Stearns
October 1953 Diplomats must carefully manage messaging and public relations, yet when does the diplomat begin to look like a propagandist?
Diplomacy and the Press by Henry B. Cox
January 1954 The relationship between diplomat and reporter is a delicate one where serving the national interest may mean very different things for sharing certain information with the public.
A More Open Diplomacy vs. Greater Secrecy by Elmer Plischke
April 1957 Diplomacy must manage a balance between openness and secrecy in its conduct, yet diplomatic functions have trended toward more openness.
Reform
Mr. Carr Surveys the Rogers Bill by Wilbur J. Carr
July 1924 Assistant Secretary of State Wilbur Carr gives an optimistic assessment of the Rogers Bill that will institute sweeping reform to the Foreign Service.
Reform or Withdrawal by Seymour Maxwell Finger
June 1984 As the United States ponders leaving UNESCO due to frustration with its direction, it must deliberate on how withdrawal may lessen its ability to influence reform from within.
The Foreign Service Act of 1980
December 1980 Undersecretary of State for Management Ben Read and AFSA President Ken Bleakley speak on a panel about the recently passed Foreign Service Act of 1980 and its benefits.
Russia
Life as a Russian Worker by Richard H. Sanger
June 1971 After leaving the Foreign Service, Richard Sanger left to see what life was like in the 1930s Soviet Union, and whether the workers’ paradise was real.
Our Man At Stalin’s Funeral by Jacob D. Beam
May 1978 Following Josef Stalin’s sudden death, future Ambassador to the Soviet Union Jacob Beam travels to Moscow to express official condolences.
Our Tongue-Tied Foreign Service by Leon and Leila Poullada
June 1957 State faces a deficit of language expertise and training methods are in need of dire review.
WWII
The FSO’s in Manila by Cabot Coville
June 1942 Hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor Japanese forces descended on Manila, and American FSOs struggled to evacuate after being cut off for weeks.
The New Duties of Our Foreign Service by Christian M. Ravndal
July 1942 At the outbreak of WWII some declared that diplomacy would be irrelevant during conflict, yet diplomats perform indispensable and highly consequential roles in times of war.
From Pearl Harbor to Potsdam by Charles W. Yost
September 1980 An FSO describes wartime duties that span some of the most consequential discussions and conferences that devised the post-war international order.
