Author and historian Jane Loeffler appears at AFSA to discuss the second, revised edition of her book, The Architecture of Diplomacy: Building America's Embassies, recently published by the Princeton Architectural Press. In the book, Loeffler examines the history of America's embassy buildings, beginning in the 19th century. In addition to architectural and aesthetic issues, she takes a hard look at the effect that modern security and safety regulations have had on the look, feel and openness of America's embassies. She focuses on the last half century, during which American embassies morphed from inviting modernist symbols celebrating democracy and transparency into forbidding military fortresses serving security and opacity. This event takes place at AFSA headquarters at 2101 E St NW. Please send RSVPs, which are required, to events@afsa.org.