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July-August 2019

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 July-August issue focuses on managing competition with China.

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

FOCUS ON MANAGING COMPETITION WITH CHINA

Is American Diplomacy with China Dead?

China’s rise in a rapidly changing world presents a challenge that only strategic, patient, firm coalition diplomacy can meet successfully.

BY SUSAN A. THORNTON

U.S.-China Trade: If We Get to Yes, Will It Make Any Difference?

A trade agreement with China will be good news in the short term, but the path to lasting improvement in the relationship, as well as political success for President Trump, is a narrow one.

BY WILLIAM A. REINSCH

Dealing with the Dragon

To reach a new understanding with Beijing, we need to appreciate China’s history—and the worldview and expectations that motivate its leaders.

BY PHILIP A. SHULL

The United States and China at a Crossroads

Statesmanship and creativity are needed as Washington and Beijing renegotiate a relationship that is too big to fail.

BY HENRY M. PAULSON JR.

From the FSJ Archive: Sino-American Relations Through the Years

A sampling of the ups and downs over the past century.

FEATURE

The Language of Dress

In Washington’s diplomatic community, fashion and diplomacy go hand in hand.

BY MARTHA THOMAS

MESSAGE FROM THE HILL

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Passing the Baton

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

Reforming State’s Personnel System Could Work This Time

BY RONALD E. NEUMANN

Reflections

The Paris Waiter: A Life Lesson

BY JOHN TREACY

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Like a Rock

BY KENNETH KERO-MENTZ