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September 2024

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 the climate diplomacy landscape.

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

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FOCUS ON THE CLIMATE DIPLOMACY LANDSCAPE

The Climate Crisis: How the U.S. Is Leading the Global Response

As climate change alters our planet, the U.S. is leading the way in developing sound global policies to combat the crisis.

BY SUE BINIAZ

Unlocking Resilience: Using Data to Drive Positive Climate Action in Conflict-Prone Regions

The effects of climate change can intensify security challenges in struggling nations. This bureau is using real-time data to predict and prevent crises in vulnerable areas.

BY LUNA RUIZ AND KAYLY OBER

AI Air Quality Forecasting: A State-NASA Partnership

A partnership with NASA takes the State Department’s already successful air quality monitoring system to the next level.

BY MARY TRAN

Fertilizer Diplomacy

The ground under their feet shows diplomats the way to feed a growing planet.

BY MICHAEL CONLON

Decarbonizing Industry Through Demand: The First Movers Coalition

Global companies work to facilitate firm market demand signals for the breakthrough technologies essential for a net-zero transition in “hard-to-abate” sectors.

BY PABLO BURKOLTER

FEATURES

A Decade-Long Campaign to Reform Assignment Restriction Programs

A central participant recounts high points of a successful reform effort at State.

BY MATTHEW ASADA

Employee Organizations Advance Religious Inclusion at State

Three faith-based employee organizations are making strides in the realm of religious diversity and inclusion at the State Department.

BY THOMAS LYONS

APPRECIATION

RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

Life After the Foreign Service: From U.S. Diplomat to Diplomatic Educator

This retired FSO made the move from diplomat to international educator. Here’s how it happened.

BY RICHARD W. MUELLER

PERSPECTIVES

President’s Views

Staying True to Ourselves

BY TOM YAZDGERDI

Speaking Out

Pre-Election Homework—Build Our Institution

BY JOHN FER

Message from the Hill

From FS Kid to FS Champion in Congress—A Conversation with Senator Chris Van Hollen

Reflections

Prying Open a Closed Society in Poland

BY DICK VIRDEN

Local Lens

Taipei, Taiwan

BY NOAH ROSE

DEPARTMENTS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

Understanding Assignment Restrictions and Denials

BY HUI JUN TINA WONG

USAID VP Voice

Transition Anxiety

BY RANDY CHESTER

Retiree VP Voice

Reviewing Your Retirement Plan

BY JOHN K. NALAND