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May 2019

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 May issue focuses on the Foreign Service as a career.

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

COVER STORY

FOCUS ON PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMATS: LEADERSHIP & LESSONS

Role Models: Lessons for Today from AFSA’s Past

Here’s how the U.S. Foreign Service found its voice in the late 1960s. It’s up to today’s AFSA members to keep it relevant.

BY HARRY W. KOPP

Serving in Tandem for State

The number of tandems in the Foreign Service is growing. State could make better use of their tremendous potential.

BY KATHRYN FITRELL AND KANISHKA GANGOPADHYAY

Treating PTSD: Learning Firsthand How to Manage

If you have symptoms of PTSD, don’t wait to get help. Take it from an FS member who’s been there.

BY JAMES EUSANIO

My Parkinson’s Story: Managing Medical Challenges in the FS

Optimism and determination saw this FSO through a career he loved after being diagnosed with a debilitating illness.

BY PAUL ROHRLICH

Dual Identity and Diplomacy

An Indian American FSO learns to navigate the rocky waters of ethnic and gender identity while serving in India.

BY SANDYA DAS

From Generation to Generation: Career Advice from David Fischer

Some of the most valuable insights are passed down from old pros.

BY ALEXIS LUDWIG

If You Mess Up, Fess Up

A retired FSO reflects on the utility of a piece of advice he took to heart during his career.

BY JONATHAN B. RICKERT

FEATURE

Why Peacekeeping Fails

Does peacekeeping have a future? Here’s a discussion of the fundamental challenge it faces today.

BY DENNIS JETT

FS KNOW-HOW

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

The State of State: Putting the Back Channel Up Front

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Letter from the Editor

The FS Career ... in the Balance

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Reflections

Diplomacy Can Save the Day

BY GEORGE B. LAMBRAKIS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

A Job Worth Having

BY KENNETH KERO-MENTZ

Where We Stand

Career Diplomats Matter

BY JULIE NUTTER