March 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 March issue focuses on notes to the new administration.
We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.
FOCUS ON NOTES TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION
Changing a Risk-Averse Paradigm at High-Threat Posts Abroad
Risk aversion is undermining diplomats’ ability to do their jobs. It’s an urgent problem, says an experienced panel that is proposing a solution.
State’s Influence on Foreign Policy: Is This Really as Good as It Gets?
How to “get out of our own way” and secure a seat at the foreign policy table.
Public Diplomacy: Re-engaging the World
Eight steps to rebuild U.S. credibility as a world leader and a society worthy of emulation.
Notes to the New Administration
Members of the U.S. Foreign Service brief the Biden team, briefly.
FEATURE
The Legacy of Jackie Robinson
Through baseball diplomacy the youth of Romania and Uganda learned important lessons.
FS HERITAGE
Like Father, Like Son: The Francis Ambassadorships
Although John M. Francis and son Charles are not well known, they share an important distinction: Both served as ambassadors—in the same countries.