September 2016
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 shines a spotlight on AFSA's 2016 award winners and focuses on career diplomacy today.
We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.
SPOTLIGHT ON AFSA AWARDS
A Foreign Service Trailblazer—Ambassador Ruth A. Davis
The recipient of AFSA’s 2016 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award talks about her Foreign Service career and her pioneering work to advance diversity and promote professional excellence at the State Department.
When Prevailing Practice Fails
By relying on prevailing practice to set locally employed staff compensation, we are benefiting from the same labor exploitation that we oppose as a matter of U.S. foreign policy.
A Selection of Articles on Constructive Dissent
The FSJ keeps a focus on constructive dissent—its history, its value, its practice and its outcome.
FOCUS ON DIPLOMATIC TRADECRAFT
Diplomatic Training: New Trends
In foreign ministries around the world, training is undergoing intensification and expansion.
Five Ways to Tackle a New Language
Combining different language-learning methods is the best bet for success, say two FSOs with experience as language teachers and students.
Over the Finish Line: Winning Strategies for a Successful Visit
Advance planning and sustained initiative from mid-level officers who own their ideas are the keys to a fruitful high-level visit.
FEATURES
MED’s Child & Family Program, Explained
Here is an authoritative account of the aims of the CFP, presented as part of the Journal’s ongoing discussion of concerns regarding support for children and families overseas.
Creepy Critters We Have Known
Life in the tropics demands that you make peace with a range of “creepy critters” you are bound to encounter.
