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January-February 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 January-February issue focuses on the Foreign Service and AFSA’s Centennial Year Kickoff.

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

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FOCUS ON THE CENTENNIAL YEAR KICKOFF

AFSA’s First Hundred Years

Entering its second century, the professional association and bargaining agent for the U.S. Foreign Service is stronger than ever.

BY HARRY W. KOPP

Lest We Forget: The Importance of Leadership in a Time of Adversity

The Foreign Service has been through a challenging period, and it may not be the last.

BY P. MICHAEL MCKINLEY

FEATURE

The High School Foreign Service Association: Engaging Aspiring Diplomats

This organization for international affairs is giving the U.S. Foreign Service a fresh, new boost among young people.

BY IVAN PANKOV

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

2024: Celebration, Reflection—and Looking Forward

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Letter from the Editor

Kicking Off the Centennial

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

State’s Pledge to Stop Promoting Bullies

BY ZIA AHMED

Reflections

The Opening of U.S. Embassy Nuku`alofa

BY TOM ARMBRUSTER

Local Lens

Hanoi, Vietnam

BY TREVOR HUBLIN

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

New Year’s Resolutions in Leadership and Labor Management

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

USAID VP Voice

What’s in Store for ’24

BY RANDY CHESTER

FAS VP Voice

It’s Not All Unicorns and Rainbows?

BY LISA AHRAMJIAN

FCS VP Voice

No Wind in Our Sails

BY JOSHUA BURKE

Retiree VP Voice

Retiree Resolutions

BY JOHN K. NALAND