Skip to main content

December 2021

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

COVER STORY: WHEN THE SOVIET UNION COLLAPSED

The Odd Couple and the End of an Era

Thirty years ago, an improbable U.S.-Soviet partnership took dramatic cooperative security steps to end the Cold War.

BY JAMES E. GOODBY

Practical Lessons for Today’s Foreign Service

U.S. diplomats in the former USSR had a unique opportunity to better comprehend the world and practice their craft.

BY GEORGE KROL

FS HERITAGE

Recalling Dec. 11, 1941: When World War II Truly Began

Join this retired FSO and historian on a journey back to the day when the U.S. entered the Second World War.

BY RAY WALSER

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

Preparing for the SAT and ACT: Why and How You Should Do It

Standardized tests can help you get into the college of your choice, but they are not like ordinary school tests and require preparation far in advance.

BY DAVID HUEMER

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Restoring a Culture of Respect, Starting with the Iran Hostages

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Honoring Excellence and Dissent

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Reflections

An Upset in Budapest

BY BEATRICE CAMP

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

2021: A Year of Unrealized Potential?

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

USAID at the NSC Table

BY JASON SINGER

AFSA on the Hill

Achieving FS Parity

BY KIM GREENPLATE