Exploring the “time capsule” that is the FSJ Digital Archive yields insights into the importance of presidential elections for the U.S. Foreign Service and the Service’s evolving approach to those elections and the administrative transitions that routinely follow. In the early years, comprehensive notes on the election results were a standard feature in the Journal. By the 1950s, the Journal began focusing on the FS role in facilitating effective foreign affairs transitions. This included educating candidates and engaging the new administration on the purpose and work of the Foreign Service, as well as its particular concerns of the hour—from “Schedule C” in 1960 and political-appointee ambassadors in 1976 to implementation of a new Foreign Service Act in 1980 and staffing shortages in the 2000s. Not surprisingly, perhaps, since the late 1960s the strictly nonpartisan nature of the Foreign Service has been emphasized. Starting in 2000, the Journal has occasionally presented the views of foreign journalists, for a look at a U.S. election “through their eyes.” More recently, we have sought the views and recommendations of AFSA members for a feature compilation of “Notes to the New Administration.” —The Editors 22 JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2025 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL A LOOK BACK The Foreign Service and Presidential Elections ON TRANSITIONS FOCUS From the FSJ Archive
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