The Foreign Service Journal, January-February 2017

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2017 9 ership lessons learned through handling tragic crises overseas. She advises that leadership is “not about you”; that the best strategies result from asking the best questions; and that you must take care of your people and yourself, and persevere. In “Time to Sharpen a Vital Diplo- matic Tool,” development expert Thom as Adams takes a serious look at how to improve the effectiveness of U.S. foreign assistance. He argues for rebuilding USAID’s capacity and consolidating development functions there, while more closely integrating foreign assistance and foreign policy. We went out to the members of the Foreign Service to ask for brief notes on what they want the Trump admin- istration to know about the role of the Foreign Service. We received 38 thought- ful responses and share them all in this issue. Several themes come through loud and clear: Know that we are the profes- sional Foreign Service, your Foreign Ser- vice, serving the United States all over the world. We are the face of America abroad, a bridge to the world. We understand the local situations at our posts and offer honest reporting that you need in order to formulate policy. Last, but not least, you have an oppor- tunity to turn away from the practice, unique to the United States, of reward- ing campaign donors and bundlers with ambassadorships, and turn to the career Foreign Service for the expertise needed for these positions. In this month’s Speaking Out, Ambas- sador Edward Peck expands on that particular message, laying out the case against “pay to play” ambassadors and in favor of career diplomats for those critical posts. This issue also features the dry but essential annual AFSA Tax Guide, spell- ing out what you need to know as a tax- payer in the Foreign Service. In addition, you’ll find an engaging pitch for devel- oping better “followership” at USAID from retired FSO José Garzón; and, in a Reflections piece that will surely resonate with many, writer and FS spouse Donna Gorman offers a glimpse of the chal- lenges of coming “home.” This double issue will be followed in March with a look at “Diplomatic Security at 100,” and in April we ponder the future of Europe and the transatlantic alliance. Please keep writing for the Journal in mind. Share your reactions to articles in Letters, ideas for how things could be done better in Speaking Out, stories in Reflections, as well as feature articles on the policy and practice of diplomacy based on research or your experience. This is your magazine. n LETTER FROM THE EDITOR The Diplomacy Brief BY SHAWN DORMAN B Shawn Dorman is the editor of The Foreign Service Journal. Will the Trump team realize that diplomacy is managed and foreign policy implemented by professional public servants? y all indications, many in the incoming administration will be new to public service. Will they realize that diplomacy is managed and foreign policy imple- mented by professional public servants, members of the Foreign Service who have sworn an oath to the U.S. Consti- tution? Hopefully, yes. And, hopefully, they will turn to the professionals staffing the foreign affairs agencies and U.S. embas- sies and consulates around the world and welcome their input, value their experi- ence, and utilize their deep knowledge and understanding. To help orient the newcomers, we have reached out to the Foreign Service community for this month’s special focus on “Notes to the New Administration.” AFSA President Ambassador Barbara Stephenson opens by introducing herself, the association and the Foreign Service to the new Secretary of State, in “Dear S: You Can Count on Us.” In “Mr. President, You Have Partners at State to Help Navigate the World’s Shoals,” Foreign Service Officer Keith Mines calls on the new president to have a conversation with the American people about America’s place in the world, reaf- firm the leadership role that the United States plays globally and reassure allies of that commitment. Ambassador (ret.) Prudence Bushnell shares valuable lead-