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January-February 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 January-February issue focuses on how foreign observers see the United States.

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

COVER STORY

Teaching Diplomacy Today

This comprehensive look at post–Foreign Service opportunities in academia includes first-person insights into advantages and perils, advice on the how-tos, and more.

BY JILLIAN BURNS AND MARK C. STORELLA

FOCUS ON HOW THEY SEE US

Outside Observers See the United States in Ways We Ourselves Cannot

The views of well-informed foreign observers can offer a welcome counterpoint to the extreme ups and downs of Americans’ own assessment of our nation and its role in the world.

BY ALEXIS LUDWIG

Keeping the Relationship Special

Don’t underestimate the importance of continued U.S.-U.K. collaboration, a senior British diplomat says in reviewing his trans-Atlantic experience.

BY PATRICK DAVIES

Working with the United States: A View from Panama

Not without hiccups, U.S.-Panama ties can become stronger with frank and open discussion, a former ambassador to the United States observes.

BY JAIME ALEMÁN

Hope for a Renewed Partnership in the Americas

A Bolivian diplomat reflects on more than two decades of personal experience dealing with the United States.

BY JAIME APARICIO OTERO

FEATURE: THE 2010 HAITI EARTHQUAKE

A Night to Remember

On Jan. 12, 2010, a sunny afternoon turned into a nightmare. America’s deputy chief of mission in Haiti shares his record of the first hours of the catastrophe.

BY DAVID LINDWALL

Tremblement!

The USAID mission director in Haiti at the time of the earthquake reflects on the disaster and its aftermath.

BY CARLEENE DEI

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

A Year of Challenge and Opportunity

BY ERIC RUBIN

Speaking Out

Truth and Honor

BY HARRY KOPP

Reflections

The Day the (Ambassador to the) Music Died

BY LARRY MANDEL

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Professional Liability Insurance: Peace of Mind in a Troubled Time

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Where We Stand

The Foreign Service by the Numbers

BY JULIE NUTTER