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July-August 2025

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 global health diplomacy.

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

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FOCUS ON GLOBAL HEALTH DIPLOMACY

Putting America First by Stopping Outbreaks at Their Source

U.S. investment in global health security doesn’t just save lives. Preventing diseases from entering our borders costs far less than responding to them when they come.

BY NIDHI BOURI

Why Continued U.S. Leadership on HIV Is Essential

The end of AIDS as a public health threat is within sight. Continued vigorous U.S. support is essential to reach that goal.

BY ANGELI ACHREKAR

From Atlanta to Côte D'Ivoire: How the CDC Protects Americans Overseas

A Q&A with Audrey Knutson Luxenberg, CDC Côte d’Ivoire’s strategic information branch chief.

How to Prevent a Bacterial Pandemic in Central America

Antimicrobial resistance is not simply a medical problem; it is a diplomatic challenge.

BY JORGE A. HUETE-PÉREZ

“Wherever the Wind Takes Us”—Poor Air Quality and Long-Term Foreign Service

One ESTH officer with access to an air quality monitor set out to discover how poor air quality at some posts might affect fellow Foreign Service officers and their family members.

BY MICHELLE ZJHRA WITH CLAIRE KIDWELL AND LINDA GEISER

STRAIGHT FROM THE SOURCE

MED Provider Portal: Modernizing the Foreign Service Health Care Experience

The Department of State’s progress toward an electronic health record system can improve health care outcomes for Foreign Service members worldwide.

BY ALICE ABRAMS

FEATURE: SERVICE DISRUPTED

When USAID Disappears

BY JIM BEVER

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

The Privilege of Serving You

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Letter from the Editor

Global Health Diplomacy Today

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Message from the Military

Diplomats Serve at the Tip of the Spear

BY JAMES G. FOGGO

Speaking Out

Reimagining the Foreign Service EER

BY JASON RUBIN

Reflections

Effective Public Diplomacy During NATO Enlargement

BY GORDON DUGUID

Local Lens

Mount Nebo, Jordan

BY JOSEPH A. D’AGOSTINO III

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

A Foreign Service for the People, by the People

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

FCS VP Voice

What I’ve Learned

BY JOSHUA BURKE

Retiree VP Voice

Parting Advice

BY JOHN K. NALAND