The Foreign Service Journal

American Diplomacy at Risk: A Report from the American Academy of Diplomacy

The Foreign Service is being deliberately undermined, a new AAD report warns. The Academy offers 23 recommendations to reverse the threat to American diplomacy.

The State of the Foreign Service: Continuing the Conversation

AFSA members discuss the AAD report.

The Diplomatic Academy: A First for Britain’s Foreign Office

In a quest to become the “best diplomatic service in the world,” the U.K. establishes an institution dedicated to equipping its representatives with the necessary skills, knowledge and tradecraft.

Five Things You Should Know about the QDDR

A participant in developing the 2015 Quadrennial Development and Diplomacy Review summarizes its highlights for skeptics.

George Kennan On Diplomacy As a Profession

In 1961, the legendary diplomat talked with his colleagues at AFSA about the profession of diplomacy.

Uncovering the Lessons of Vietnam

• “Lessons Learned” from State In 1961, the legendary diplomat talked with his colleagues at AFSA about the profession of diplomacy.
• The Kissinger Memo In National Security Advisor Henry Kissinger’s view, Vietnam offered very few lessons that could be usefully applied elsewhere.

Surviving Al-Jazeera and Other Public Calamities

Deconstructing the uproar over a controversial Al-Jazeera interview, the author offers insight into the challenges of public diplomacy.

The Big Downsizing: Retirement Lessons

Here are some lessons learned on the retirement transition from a member of the Foreign Service who's been there recently.

President’s Views

The Country Team

Speaking Out

America Needs a Professional Foreign Service

Reflections

The End of the British Empire in Aden