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March 2020

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 March issue focuses on dealing with Russia and Ukraine.

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

FOCUS ON DEALING WITH RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

Reflections on Russia, Ukraine and the U.S. in the Post-Soviet World

The struggle between Russia and Ukraine, in which the United States has been involved for three decades, reflects the challenges of the continuing post-Soviet transformation.

BY JOHN F. TEFFT

The World Through Moscow’s Eyes: A Classic Russian Perspective

To fathom the Ukraine dispute, a Russian scholar and head of the Carnegie Moscow Center shares what he thinks U.S. diplomats need to know about Russia.

BY DMITRI TRENIN

When Lightning Struck Twice: Drawing Down Mission Russia

Moscow assignments were never easy, but the dramatic ordered reductions of diplomatic staff in 2017 and 2018 were distinctly difficult.

BY MICHAEL A. LALLY

FEATURES

Energy Diplomacy Works: How Power Africa Redefines Development Partnerships

An ambitious USAID initiative to bring the U.S. government’s resources to bear in Africa is producing results, offering a new model for development assistance.

BY ANDREW M. HERSCOWITZ

Superpowered Public Diplomacy

Updating the PD toolbox with popular arts.

BY PREETI SHAH

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

The Foreign Service Act at 40

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Going Through Things

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Message from the Hill

We Need to Upgrade Our Diplomatic Capabilities

BY REPRESENTATIVE BRIAN JEFFERY MAST

Speaking Out

Integrity First

BY ALAN LARSON

Reflections

Sprint Training for Distance Runners

BY KATIE MASTIN

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Being Treated More Like Our Military

BY TOM YAZDGERDI