Skip to main content

September 2022

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 engagement with Africa.

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

FOCUS ON ENGAGEMENT WITH AFRICA

Much Cause for Worry: A Clear-Eyed Look at Africa

It is time to put sentiment aside and look clearly at Africa through an objective lens.

BY MARK G. WENTLING

A Brighter Future for Africa?

U.S. policy needs to recognize the continent’s tremendous riches in resources and human capacity and help develop their potential.

BY TIBOR NAGY

Great Expectations

The administration’s vow to host the second U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit this year has sparked hope that Washington will treat Africa as a strategic priority. Here’s what’s at stake.

BY KENDRA L. GAITHER

Higher Education and the New Scramble for Africa

Investment in higher education is a vital component of effective and constructive U.S. engagement in a dynamic Africa.

BY JONATHAN V. AHLSTROM

Kennedy, Nixon and the Competition for Mr. Africa, 1952-1960

John F. Kennedy and Richard M. Nixon were the first American politicians of national rank to prioritize Africa—more than half a century ago.

BY GREGORY L. GARLAND

FEATURE

Helping Refugees in Poland

One FS family member shares her “all-consuming” experience on temporary duty in Warsaw during the war in Ukraine.

BY LILIA LALLY

FS HERITAGE

The Short Diplomatic Career of Mordecai Manuel Noah

In the 19th century, this ambitious American lived several lifetimes, including as a peddler, politician, publisher and even, albeit briefly, a U.S. diplomat.

BY LUCIANO MANGIAFICO

RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

Retirement Planning: A Mid-Career Checklist

Long before your retirement date there are steps to take. Here are the most important ones.

BY JOHN K. NALAND

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Welcome, Director General Bernicat! AFSA Stands Ready to Work with You

BY ERIC RUBIN

Letter from the Editor

Africa at the Center

BY SHAWN DORMAN

Speaking Out

Democracy as a Vocation

BY JOSÉ M. GARZÓN

Reflections

The Lure of the “Painful Childhood”

BY LOUISA ROGERS

Local Lens

North Sulawesi, Indonesia

BY PAUL TAYLOR

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Family Member Employment: An AFSA Priority

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

USAID VP Voice

Collaboration Through Co-Creation: Putting Policy into Practice

BY JASON SINGER

FAS VP Voice

The True Cost of FAS’ Administrative Burden

BY LISA AHRAMJIAN

AFSA on the Hill

State-Level Advocacy: Emerging Issues and Progress

BY KIM GREENPLATE