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July-August 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 July-August issue focuses on mental health support.

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

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FOCUS ON MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Mental Health Support at State: No Shame, No Penalties

An FSJ Q&A with Under Secretary for Management John Bass

Addressing Mental Health Needs at USAID

USAID strives to build a healthier workplace to ensure mission readiness, at home and abroad.

BY CLINTON D. WHITE AND RANDY CHESTER

Mental Health First Aid for Foreign Service Families

Here is a practical first aid kit for mental health for Foreign Service families.

BY LIA MILLER

Can Happiness Make Us Better Diplomats?

The State Department has begun to recognize the need to improve the workplace environment. Here are some insights on the role happiness might play.

BY AMELIA SHAW

FEATURES

The FS at 100—What Does the Future Hold?

Inside Diplomacy: A Discussion with Director General of the Foreign Service Marcia Bernicat

The Ideal Foreign Service

Centennial Writing Competition: Third Place

BY JOSH MORRIS

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

Modernizing Foreign Service Assessments: The Move to Virtual Platforms

To compete effectively with the private sector and attract the best candidates, the State Department must continuously improve processes.

BY PATRICK T. SLOWINSKI

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Mental Health in the Foreign Service

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Speaking Out

Workplace Conditions at State: Change Is Coming

BY STACY D. WILLIAMS

Off-Road with the Foreign Service

Swimming with Whales in Tonga

BY TOM ARMBRUSTER

Reflections

Diplomats, Firecrackers, and a Checker Cab: The Opening of U.S. Embassy Beijing

BY DON HAUSRATH

Local Lens

Kulikalon Lake, Tajikistan

BY ALEX NOPPE

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Countering Mental and Physical Burnout at Work

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

FAS VP Voice

Ushering in the Next Chapter

BY LISA AHRAMJIAN

FCS VP Voice

Building a Strong Foundation

BY JOSHUA BURKE

Retiree VP Voice

Preserving the Annuity Exception

BY JOHN K. NALAND