September 2017
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 exemplary performance and constructive dissent.
We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.
COVER STORY
It’s Practical: Training the Next Generation of Diplomats
Knowledge of history, area studies and current international affairs is not, by itself, sufficient to make an effective diplomat.
FOCUS ON EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE & CONSTRUCTIVE DISSENT
Leader, Mentor, Diplomat: Ambassador Nancy J. Powell
The recipient of AFSA’s 2017 Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy Award talks with the FSJ about her journey from Midwestern social studies teacher to diplomatic leader.
The State of Dissent in the Foreign Service
Members of the Foreign Service regularly grapple with the professional and moral dilemma of dissent.
In Pursuit of Transparency in Assignment Restriction Policies
Lack of fairness and transparency in the assignment restrictions process undercuts both employees and the State Department. Asian-American employees took it on.
Pushing State to Prevent Illegal Adoptions
Faced with growing evidence of malfeasance in intercountry adoptions in Uganda, this FSO decided on a course of constructive dissent to correct the problem.
DS Could Advance Overseas Visa and Passport Security
Diplomatic Security programs can help protect the United States from the threat of terrorist entry, but the State Department hasn’t promoted DS as the interagency lead.
FEATURE
A New Citizen of London Shines on the Other Side of the Thames
U.S. Embassy London in Nine Elms will set new standards for security and sustainability. Here are some insights into how it got there.
PERSPECTIVES
DEPARTMENTS
Letters-Plus
Impact of the Family Member Hiring Freeze: Feedback from the Field