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January-February 2022

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 subnational diplomacy.

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

COVER STORY

FOCUS ON SUBNATIONAL DIPLOMACY

On a New Approach to City and State Diplomacy

The FSJ Editorial Board offers thoughts to kick off an important policy discussion.

BY THE FSJ EDITORIAL BOARD

Subnational Diplomacy: A National Security Imperative

Engaging state and local actors in international diplomacy will help the State Department address the national security challenges of the 21st century.

BY MARYUM SAIFEE

The Benefits of International Partnerships

Pittsburgh’s former mayor describes the city’s transition from its heavy industrial past to a sustainable future.

BY WILLIAM PEDUTO

Using Subnational Diplomacy to Combat Climate Change

Des Moines’ mayor connects the dots between work at the local level in America and effective global climate leadership.

BY FRANK COWNIE

The Future of Diplomacy Is Local

A former FSO, now a Democratic state committee member for the Bronx, explains how partnerships between local and federal government can help rebuild trust in U.S. foreign policy priorities.

BY EMERITA TORRES

Local Governments Are Foreign Policy Actors, Too

The deputy mayor of Los Angeles argues that breaking down the silos between foreign and domestic policy will make international affairs more relevant for middle-class Americans.

BY NINA HACHIGIAN

APPRECIATION

FEATURE

Before Havana Syndrome, There Was Moscow Signal

Today’s Havana syndrome is “like déjà vu all over again,” as Yogi Berra might have put it.

BY JAMES SCHUMAKER

FS HERITAGE

A Labor of Love: Rediscovering State’s Lost History

A project to unearth the lives and legacies of the earliest diplomats is awakening a shared understanding of the U.S. Foreign Service and its history.

BY LINDSAY HENDERSON

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Reform for a New Year

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Making the Case for Subnational Diplomacy

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Reflections

Bear Cubs for Romania

BY JONATHAN RICKERT

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

A Better Workplace Culture in 2022

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

High on Priorities, Short on Details

BY JASON SINGER

Retiree VP Voice

New Year’s Resolutions

BY JOHN K. NALAND