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October 2021

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 climate change diplomacy.

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

COVER STORY

On CSO’s 10-Year Anniversary: Stabilization Operations in Perspective

State’s Bureau of Conflict and Stabilization Operations has amassed the experience and expertise to lead on stabilization and resilience policy.

BY ROBERT J. FAUCHER AND JOHN H. MONGAN

FOCUS ON CLIMATE CHANGE DIPLOMACY

To Lead Abroad, We Must Deliver at Home

U.S. climate leadership hinges on sustained domestic policies that deliver concrete results.

BY A FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER

The Paris Accord: An Experiment in Polylateralism

The structure of the 2015 accord is unique, and may be a decisive factor in its effectiveness in combating climate change.

BY THERESA SABONIS-HELF

Tackling the Climate Crisis from the Inside

The State Department is using its embassies and consulates as strategic platforms to demonstrate climate solutions and leadership overseas.

BY STEPHANIE CHRISTEL MEREDITH

Tracking Air Quality: Data for Our Community and Beyond

State’s air quality monitoring program facilitates engagement with host governments and civil society around the world.

BY MARY TRAN

Building a Foundation for Successful Green Diplomacy

Taking practical action to improve the Tri-Mission’s environmental footprint in Rome is smart diplomacy.

BY KENNETH L. MEYER

Climate Change: It’s Personal

As climate change boosts the frequency and severity of natural disasters, diplomats will increasingly find themselves dealing with the fallout.

BY KOVIA GRATZON-ERSKINE

FEATURE

Flying with Fido

Taking your family pet home just got a lot harder. Here is what you need to know.

BY MELISSA MATHEWS

APPRECIATION

FS HERITAGE

The Man Who Crossed the Seas: Charles Lindbergh’s Goodwill Tour, 1927-1928

A complicated and controversial public figure, Charles Lindbergh was also one of the first cultural ambassadors for the United States, as seen in his ambitious Latin America journey.

BY JAY RAMAN

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

The End of an Era: What Lies Ahead?

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Combating Climate Change on the Ground

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Knowledge Management @ State: It’s not the technology. It’s the people.

BY YOMARIS MACDONALD, LOURDES CUE, TIMOTHY HAYNES, JENNIFER L. SMITH AND BENJAMIN A. TIETZ

Reflections

Sadiq al-Mahdi: A Recollection

BY DANE F. SMITH JR.

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Assignment Restrictions: Hoping for Real Change

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

Empowering USAID

BY JASON SINGER