April-May 2025
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-May issue focuses on the U.S.-Vietnam Relationship.
We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.
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FOCUS ON THE U.S.-VIETNAM RELATIONSHIP
Vietnam and the United States: The Way Ahead
A partnership forged from the ashes of war attests to the power of trust and mutual respect.
A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: U.S.-Vietnam Ties at 30 Years
The U.S. and Vietnam have developed a partnership that illustrates the value of professional diplomacy.
Peace, Cooperation, and Global Progress: 30 Years of Vietnam-U.S. Diplomacy
The Vietnam-U.S. relationship shows that reconciliation and cooperation can overcome even the most profound historical challenges.
The Last Steps of Normalization: Reflections of the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, 2001-2004
Completion of the normalization process got a boost when Vietnam’s leadership determined that “the triangle” (Vietnam, China, U.S.) was out of balance.
Toward a More “Geopolitically Driven” Relationship: Reflections of the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam, 2011-2014
Moving beyond legacy war issues required building trust in the U.S. commitment to a strong, prosperous, and independent Vietnam.
The Tết Offensive: Six Hours That Transformed America
A career diplomat reflects on a pivotal moment in the fraught Vietnam War era.
Through the Visa Window: Those Who Leave, Those We Left, Those Who Stay
The faces on both sides of the visa window in Ho Chi Minh City Consulate General reflect a complex history of war, partnership, and the American Dream.
Stone Fruit Diplomacy: From the Golden State to the Land of the Blue Dragon
The significant progress made in agricultural trade over the last 30 years highlights the mutual benefits and promising future of the U.S.-Vietnam partnership.
FEATURE: SERVICE DISRUPTED
FS KNOW-HOW
A Brief RIF Explainer
We’ve faced RIFs in the past. One FSO dug into the FAM to learn about the legal parameters of reductions in force.
LIFE AFTER THE FOREIGN SERVICE
Discovering Extended Family at Spirit of America
This former Foreign Service officer found a way to take his development expertise into the nonprofit world.