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November 2024

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.

FOCUS ON FOREIGN SERVICE AUTHORS

In Their Own Write

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

Of Related Interest

Recent books of interest to the foreign affairs community.

In Their Own Words: An Interview with Four Foreign Service Authors

Foreign Service authors share their struggles and inspirations.

BY DAVID K. WESSEL

COVER STORY

NATO at 75

Reflections from U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith and three former ambassadors to the Alliance: Alexander Vershbow, R. Nicholas Burns, and Robert E. Hunter

FEATURES

The Marginalization of Career Diplomats

New data on chiefs of mission suggests that the power and influence of career members of the U.S. Foreign Service are on the decline.

BY THOMAS SCHERER AND DAN SPOKOJNY

Controlling Kissinger

A control officer reflects on his experience with the former Secretary of State and their time in Berlin.

BY FLETCHER M. BURTON

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

NATO at 75: It’s Personal ...

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Speaking Out

My $100,000 EER

BY RACHEL SCHNELLER

Reflections

The Elephants Make a Comeback

BY SETH LUXENBERG

Local Lens

Antarctica

BY JUSTIN FRANKLIN

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

State’s Talent Retention Objectives

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

USAID VP Voice

Thank you, Sue

BY RANDY CHESTER

Retiree VP Voice

Honoring Fallen Colleagues

BY JOHN K. NALAND