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January-February 2017

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 January-February issue focuses on notes to the new administration.

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

FOCUS ON NOTES TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

Mr. President, You Have Partners at State to Help Navigate the World’s Shoals

The new administration’s challenge is to sustain U.S. leadership in an increasingly unhinged world.

BY KEITH W. MINES

One Story, Two Events, Seven Leadership Lessons

Policy crises and human crises in faraway places—the stuff of diplomacy today—offer compelling lessons in leadership.

BY PRUDENCE BUSHNELL

Foreign Assistance: Time to Sharpen a Vital Diplomatic Tool

Here are eight recommendations to rationalize U.S. foreign assistance and, thus, greatly increase its effectiveness.

BY THOMAS C. ADAMS

Notes to the New Administration

Members of the U.S. Foreign Service brief the Trump team, briefly.

FEATURE

Developing the Next Generation of Followers at USAID

We need to better understand followership—not just because it essentially complements leadership, but for its own specific qualities.

BY JOSÉ M. GARZÓN

PERSPECTIVES

President's Views

Dear S: You Can Count on Us

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Why U.S. Ambassadors Should Be Career Professionals

BY EDWARD L. PECK

Reflections

Rip Van Winkle in the Foreign Service

BY DONNA SCARAMASTRA GORMAN

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Speaking of Elections

BY ANGIE BRYAN