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June 2021

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 June issue focuses on great power competition today.

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

FOCUS ON GREAT POWER COMPETITION TODAY

Cyber Diplomacy for Strategic Competition

Fresh thinking and new approaches are needed on diplomacy’s newest frontier.

BY EMILY O. GOLDMAN

Countering China’s Intimidation of Taiwan

Why a firm stand against Beijing’s intimidation and coercion of Taiwan is both timely and important right now.

BY ROBERT S. WANG

Engagement with China: Was It a Mistake?

U.S. expectations may have been unrealistic, but there is much to remember and learn from our previous dealings with Beijing.

BY ROBERT GRIFFITHS

Hello, Europe—America Is Back

The trans-Atlantic agenda goes beyond undoing Trump. Here is a sober look at the issues from a veteran diplomat.

BY ROBERT E. HUNTER

GPC—Meaningful Concept or Misleading Construct?

In this thought piece, two Senior FSOs offer contrasting takes on the phrase widely used to frame foreign policy today.

BY ALEXIS LUDWIG AND KELLY KEIDERLING

FEATURE

Whatever Happened to Microfinance? A Cautionary Tale

The success or failure of any development program depends on a thorough grasp of the context in which it is being implemented.

BY THOMAS DICHTER

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

The Impact of COVID-19 on FS Kids: Tips and Thoughts

FS children face unique challenges in the best of times. How are they faring during the pandemic?

BY REBECCA GRAPPO

What’s New with Special Education Allowances?

The Family Liaison Office talks with the Office of Child and Family Programs.

BY CHARLOTTE LARSEN

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Let’s Get It Right This Time

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Finding the Power Paradigm for Today

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

The Case Against Political Ambassadors

BY EDWARD L. PECK

Reflections

The Mouse That Roared

BY JONATHAN B. RICKERT

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Telework: Productive and Family Friendly

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

Words of Thanks

BY JASON SINGER

AFSA on the Hill

Seizing the Moment: Expand the U.S. Foreign Service

BY KIM GREENPLATE