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May 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 May issue focuses on public diplomacy: the Cold War and beyond.

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

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FOCUS ON PUBLIC DIPLOMACY—THE COLD WAR AND BEYOND

Up Close with American Exhibit Guides to the Soviet Union, 1959-1991

The USIA exhibit guides were young and enthusiastic, and they spoke Russian. Here’s what it was like to be on the front lines of the Cold War.

Broadcasting Behind the (Opening) Iron Curtain

The era of open communication following the end of the Cold War has thrown up new, more complex challenges.

BY MARK G. POMAR

The Journey to Expo 2020 Dubai and Its Legacy

Expo 2020 Dubai set a precedent for future U.S. participation in world’s fairs, the “Olympics of public diplomacy.”

BY MATTHEW ASADA

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Cold War Lessons

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Public Diplomacy at Its Best

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

How Will You Lead?

BY TODD KUSHNER AND PAUL WATZLAVICK

Reflections

Dogging It in the Foreign Service

BY DAVE DUNFORD

Local Lens

Abu Dhabi, UAE

BY SARAH TALALAY

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

The Dreaded Washington Assignment

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

The Global Community Liaison Office

BY JASON SINGER

Retiree VP Voice

Threats to Retirement Benefits

BY JOHN K. NALAND