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November 2022

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 November issue focuses on Foreign Service authors.

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

To keep up with The Foreign Service Journal online, sign up for our weekly email bulletin featuring magazine content and other items of FS interest.

COVER STORY

New Bureau, New Cyber Priorities in Foreign Affairs

Here, Senior FSO Jennifer Bachus explains what the creation of State’s cyber bureau—a long-awaited development—means for U.S. foreign policy and the Foreign Service.

FOCUS ON FOREIGN SERVICE AUTHORS

In Their Own Write

We are pleased to present this year’s collection of books by members of the Foreign Service community.

Of Related Interest

Recent books of interest to the foreign affairs community.

Memoir Writing: The Art of Telling Your Story

The decision to write a memoir is not to be taken lightly. Having done it, a retired USAID FSO shares his experience.

BY FRANK J. YOUNG

FEATURES

Machiavelli on How to Be a Good Diplomat

Machiavelli’s advice to a new ambassador five centuries ago reminds us that the experience and wisdom of the diplomatic practitioner are unique and timeless.

BY DAVID B. SHEAR

Memorializing the U.S. Consular Presence in Martinique

On the anniversary of the 1902 disaster in the French outpost, ceremonies honor those lost and celebrate French-American relations.

BY SÉBASTIEN PERROT-MINNOT

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Telling Your Story

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Why the State Department Needs an Office of Diplomatic Gaming

BY ROBERT DOMAINGUE

Reflections

Fear Descends on Liberia

BY CHARLES GURNEY

Local Lens

Placencia, Belize

BY JOAN CRISTINI

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

The Foreign Service Reform Agenda

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

USAID and a New Chief Human Capital Officer

BY JASON SINGER

FAS VP Voice

Capitalizing on a Recovering FAS Foreign Service

BY LISA AHRAMJIAN