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December 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 December issue focuses on AFSA Awards: honoring excellence and constructive dissent in the Foreign Service.

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

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FOCUS ON AFSA AWARDS: HONORING EXCELLENCE AND CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT

FEATURE

Social Entrepreneurship and the Professional Diplomat

As international geopolitical dynamics become more complex, the scope has increased for “Track II” diplomacy—work to which former members of the Foreign Service are generally well suited.

BY JOHN MARKS

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

Navigating the Foreign Service Educational Landscape

From preschool through college, you’re never alone. Learn about education resources available to Foreign Service families.

BY REBECCA MCPHERSON

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

An Eventful Year Comes to a Close

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Letter from the Editor

What’s Next?

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

The Foreign Service at 100: It’s Time for Renewal

BY GEORGE KROL

Reflections

Mighty Oaks from Little Acorns Grow

BY JONATHAN B. RICKERT

Local Lens

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

BY NATHAN TIDWELL

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Consensus Building Creates Effective Teams

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

USAID VP Voice

AFSA Wins Grievance

BY RANDY CHESTER

FCS VP Voice

Some Things to Celebrate

BY JOSHUA BURKE

FAS VP Voice

Explain Yourself

BY EVAN MANGINO