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July-August 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 July-August issue focuses on Foreign Service transitions.

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

COVER STORY

U.S.-China Relations at 50: Learning Lessons and Moving Ahead

A half-century of experience points to the need for stronger measures to address future challenges.

BY ROBERT S. WANG

FOCUS: FOREIGN SERVICE TRANSITIONS

Just Another Glamorous Move

Relocating around the world every couple of years is the “good news” and “bad news” of the Foreign Service career.

BY DEBORAH DERRICK

FS Singles: How We See Things

Single people over the age of 18 are a growing demographic, but that isn’t the only reason State should be more mindful of its single employees.

BY NAUREEN NALIA

Supporting Families and Third-Culture Kids Through FS Transitions

There is no one-size-fits-all in a Foreign Service transition.

BY WYOKEMIA JOYNER AND SARAH GENTON

The Complex Challenge of Transporting Pets

A nail-biter pet shipping experience is an increasingly common part of Foreign Service life. Here are some tips on the process.

BY MELISSA MATHEWS

What to Expect When You’re … Evacuating

Nobody wants to do it. But there’s a good chance it’ll happen to you. Here’s what you need to know.

BY DONNA SCARAMASTRA GORMAN

And Now for Something Completely Different …

Foreign Service transitions can involve more than moving from post to post or evacuating. And there are lessons in that, too.

BY DANIEL CROCKER

APPRECIATION

Remembering Madeleine Albright, 1937-2022

Memories and tributes from a few of those who worked with this champion of diplomacy and democracy.

FEATURE

Diplomacy, the Third Strand of War and Peace

In Tolstoy’s great work, today’s diplomats can learn a lot about how a brilliant writer once viewed their profession and how many people still regard it.

BY FLETCHER M. BURTON

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Women’s Reproductive Health Must Be a Priority

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Speaking of Transitions

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Serbia and Russia and the Coming Balkan Storm

BY DENIS RAJIC AND MARKO ATTILA HOARE

Reflections

Pearl Buck’s Rehabilitation in China

BY BEATRICE CAMP

Local Lens

Namangan, Uzbekistan

BY JAMES TALALAY

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Time for an Office of Conflict Resolution

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

Rebuilding for the Long Term

BY JASON SINGER

Retiree VP Voice

Threats to Retirement Benefits

BY JOHN K. NALAND