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October 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 October issue focuses on advancing diversity and inclusion.

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

FOCUS ON ADVANCING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Needed: A Management Mindset

Achieving meaningful change requires a fundamental shift in the Department of State’s handling of its most important asset: its people.

BY CHARITY L. BOYETTE

State’s Problems Are Not New: A Look at the Record

Despite a decades-old legal mandate, diversity has simply not been a priority at the State Department.

BY RICHARD A. FIGUEROA

The Payne Fellowship: Boosting Diversity at USAID

Launched in 2012, the Payne Fellowship has proven itself a valuable program.

BY YOUSHEA BERRY

Diversification in the Foreign Agricultural Service

Launched five years ago, USDA’s Office of Civil Rights is working alongside the FAS to create a more engaging and empowering environment.

BY VALERIE BROWN

One Bureau’s Model for Moving Forward

With a spotlight on State’s lack of diversity in the senior ranks, the Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs has stepped forward with a practical program to create real change.

BY STACY D. WILLIAMS

Making Diversity and Inclusion Real in Foreign Affairs

Reports from the Employee Affinity Groups

FS HERITAGE: MCCARTHYISM REVISITED

A Time of “Great Malaise”

The experience of a distinguished career FSO offers a look into the dark side of mid-century America.

BY FELICITY O. YOST

The Exile of a China Hand: John Carter Vincent in Tangier

For the sin of accurately foreseeing the success of Mao Tse-tung’s communist insurgency, Foreign Service “China hands” were accused of disloyalty and punished.

BY GERALD LOFTUS

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Taking Stock and Looking Ahead

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Continuing the Conversation: Toward a Diverse, Inclusive Foreign Service

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Stop Shipping Your Personal Vehicle!

BY WARREN LEISHMAN

Reflections

Nixon in Moscow, March 1967

BY JONATHAN B. RICKERT

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Blind EERs: Would They Make Sense?

BY TOM YAZDGERDI