The Foreign Service Journal

In This Section

April 2024

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider’s perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy, and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The April issue focuses on workplace well-being.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

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Featured Content

FOCUS ON WORKPLACE WELL-BEING

Office of the Ombuds Takes on Bullying at State

A decade after its establishment, this office is finally getting funding to address bullying and incivility.

BY BRIANNA BAILEY-GEVLIN

Setting the Table for Inclusion: Five Things Leaders Can Do to Interrupt Toxic Behaviors

An ambassador shares a few lessons learned about creating norms of inclusion and respect in the workplace.

BY ANA ESCROGIMA

FEATURE

First-Generation Professionals: Another Dimension of Diversity

A new employee organization at State spotlights the challenges commonly faced by first-generation college students, graduates, and professionals.

BY SCOTT B. WINTON

FS HERITAGE

The Department of State’s Reception Centers: Back to the Future

Revisiting State’s mid-20th-century reception centers generates practical ideas for today, especially when it comes to engaging the American public.

BY MATTHEW ASADA

RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

Life After the Foreign Service

Here are stories—and tips!—from three retired diplomats who found success and fulfillment after careers in the Foreign Service.

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Hope for Resolving Workplace Conflict

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Letter from the Editor

From Bullying to Happiness

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

The Surprising Secret to Powerful Leadership

BY JOHANNA VILLALOBOS

Reflections

Get That Man a Chair

BY MICHAEL VARGA

Local Lens

Kathmandu, Nepal

BY ANDREA NAGY

DEPARTMENTS

Letters

Letters-Plus

Talking Points

Books

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Implementing the NDAA

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

USAID VP Voice

Past Time to Stop the Bullying

BY RANDY CHESTER

Retiree VP Voice

Two Quirks in Federal Retirement Benefits

BY JOHN K. NALAND