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September 2015

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 September issue focuses on AFSA Awards and Dissent.

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

FOCUS ON AFSA AWARDS AND DISSENT

A Lifetime of Public Service: An Interview with William C. Harrop

The recipient of AFSA’s 2015 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award talks about his Foreign Service career, his pioneering role in AFSA and his view of the challenges before the Foreign Service today.

BY MARIA C. LIVINGSTON

Deconstructing Dissent

At heart, dissent is about integrity, speaking up on issues that matter, regardless of whether or not we think we can actually change anything.

BY AMELIA SHAW

Clearing the Air in New Delhi

How one FSO used constructive dissent to advance a sensible approach to air pollution in India.

BY SAMUEL KOTIS

COVER STORY

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 Turns 35

The Foreign Service Act of 1980 became law in early 1981. A year later, the FSJ asked Congress, State management and AFSA leadership to evaluate its implementation. Here are their responses.

FS KNOW-HOW

Going Back to Work: A Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Service Spouses

One of the great challenges of Foreign Service life is how an FS spouse can maintain or develop a career. Here are some practical tips.

BY ANNA SPARKS

COLUMNS

President's Views

Stepping Forward to Lead

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

The State Department Needs to Reevaluate Its Use of 360-Degree Reviews

BY WILLIAM BENT

Reflections

Dogs in Africa

BY ROBERT GRIBBIN