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December 2020

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 December issue focuses on AFSA awards.

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

FOCUS ON AFSA AWARDS: HONORING EXCELLENCE AND CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT

Pioneer, Bridge Builder and Statesman—A Conversation with Ambassador Edward J. Perkins

Ambassador Edward J. Perkins is the 2020 Recipient of the Award for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy.

FEATURES

The Dayton Accords at 25

A retired FSO and veteran of the Balkan crisis offers a clear-eyed assessment of Bosnia and Herzegovina a quarter-century after Dayton.

BY DANIEL SERWER

Implementing Dayton: A Look Back

Reestablishing interreligious and interethnic trust, tolerance and coexistence among Serb, Croat and Bosniak proved a daunting task.

BY ROBERT M. BEECROFT

FS HERITAGE

Idealism, Diplomacy and Power: Tony Lake’s Story

Through six decades and two major foreign policy crucibles—Vietnam and the Balkans—Tony Lake showed a steady commitment to public service, as well as a belief in speaking truth to power.

BY RENNIE A. SILVA

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

U.S. Boarding Schools: Resilient in the Pandemic and Beyond

Boarding schools have responded seamlessly to continue delivering quality education during the pandemic.

BY DAVID H. CHARLTON AND RANDAL E. BROWN

COVID on Campus: How FS College Kids and Their Families Are Managing the Uncertainty

One FS parent of a college student candidly recalls the initial days of COVID-19 and shares her experience and that of other families navigating today’s unprecedented circumstances.

BY DONNA SCARAMASTRA GORMAN

College Options: Community College with a Guaranteed Transfer Program

With online learning now a prevalent alternative, many students are finding a different path toward their degree. Is it right for you?

BY FRANCESCA HUEMER KELLY

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Foreign Service Proud: Very, Very Proud

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Recognizing Excellence

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Food & Fun, or Debt & Despair? The Commissary Crisis and the Future of Employee Associations

BY LLYWELYN GRAEME

Reflections

An Unexpected Foray into Albania

BY DOLORES BROWN AND MARIA SILVER

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

2020: How Are We Doing?

BY TOM YAZDGERDI