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June 2023

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 the U.S. and Africa: toward partnerships.

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

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FOCUS ON U.S. & AFRICA: TOWARD PARTNERSHIPS

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit: Elevating the Partnership with Africa

In a robust gathering of U.S. and African leaders from the government, private sector, and civil society, the emphasis was on advancing priorities through effective partnerships.

BY DANA BANKS

Deepening Working Relationships in Africa

The energy sector offers enormous scope for investment and economic development as U.S. constructive engagement in Africa deepens.

BY HERMAN J. COHEN

A Key to Success: Engaging Civil Society

Civil society organizations, viewed with skepticism in some African countries and slighted at the summit, can play a vital role in development efforts.

BY KEHINDE TOGUN AND MARIA KISUMBI

The Business of Diplomacy: Prioritizing the U.S.-Africa Commercial Agenda

U.S. business ties to Africa are poised for takeoff, but success will depend on commercial diplomacy getting a boost.

BY SCOTT EISNER

FEATURE

Human Rights and U.S. Foreign Policy: A Frank Discussion

A diplomat and an activist talk candidly about how to work together.

BY ANNIE PFORZHEIMER AND HEATHER BARR

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

Generative AI and the College Admissions Process

New technologies based on artificial intelligence are raising lots of questions for students and educators alike.

BY FRANCESCA KELLY

Special Needs Education Allowances: An Update

What’s changed with SNEA? The Global Community Liaison Office finds out.

BY REBECCA MCPHERSON

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Accomplishments and Challenges

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

U.S.-Africa Partnerships

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Standing By Taiwan and Its Democracy: Why Statecraft Is Not Just About Avoiding Conflict

BY ROBERT S. WANG

Reflections

Finding Pavarotti in Western Zambia

BY CARL WILLIAM HENN

Local Lens

Guangzhou, People’s Republic of China

BY ALEX LITICHEVSKY

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Your Pension Should Be Your Pension, Period

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

A Complicated Question with No Clear Answer

BY JASON SINGER