Skip to main content

May 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 May issue focuses on nuclear diplomacy.

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

FOCUS ON NUCLEAR DIPLOMACY

U.S.-Russian Nuclear Arms Control Negotiations—A Short History

An accomplished negotiator puts nuclear arms control in perspective—what it has achieved, where it has failed and what it can do for our future security.

BY ROSE GOTTEMOELLER

Why Nuclear Arms Control Matters Today

In this time of new strains in great-power relations, nuclear arms control agreements are an essential component of national security.

BY THOMAS COUNTRYMAN

Restoring Nuclear Diplomacy

Urgent action is needed to put the lid on a new and costly global arms race.

BY JOSEPH CIRINCIONE

FEATURE

The Foreign Service Honor Roll

U.S. diplomats are on the front lines of America’s engagement with the world. Here is the history of AFSA’s work to pay tribute to the many who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.

BY JOHN K. NALAND

FS HERITAGE

The Unlucky Consul—Thomas Prentis and the 1902 Martinique Disaster

In 1902, the worst volcanic disaster of the 20th century took the lives of U.S. Consul Thomas Prentis and his family on a Caribbean island.

BY WILLIAM BENT

APPRECIATION

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Foreign Service Duty

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Nuclear Diplomacy Matters

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

The Diplomat and the State

BY CHRISTOPHER W. SMITH

Reflections

Y2K, What Y2K?

BY LIAN VON WANTOCH

DEPARTMENTS

Letters-Plus

Twenty-Five Year Apprenticeship: A Digital Forum

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Working for You During This Trying Time

BY TOM YAZDGERDI