The Foreign Service Journal, January 2013

56 JANUARY 2012 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS BOOK NOTES PROGRAM: Nicholas Kralev Introduces “America’s Other Army” On Oct. 22, AFSA’s Book Notes program presented author Nicholas Kralev and his new book, America’s Other Army, self published. The book tells the stories of American diplomats the how their work affects millions of people in the United States and around the world. Kralev’s book was published shortly after the Benghazi terrorist attack and is a timely reminder of the dangers Foreign Service employees face while serving our nation. Although not a Foreign Service officer himself, Kralev is well experienced in foreign affairs matters, both as a journalist covering the State Department for the Financial Times and Washington Times , and as an eye witness to the final days of the Cold War in Bulgaria, his native country. In the course of writing his book, he visited many foreign and American embassies for his research. America’s Other Army provides a vibrant and accurate description of what U.S. diplomats must do to advance American interests while carrying out its foreign policy. Kralev’s book underscores the idea that for the United States to be safe and secure, the whole world must be safe and secure. “Diplomats work to meld our myopic present needs with a more peace- ful and prosperous future in an interconnected world,” believes Kralev. The book provides readers with an opportunity to better understand the demanding and difficult role members of the Foreign Service must face, especially during this particularly tumultuous time in the Middle East and elsewhere. A lively discussion with the audience—comprised of mostly FSOs, both active- duty and retired—followed. After much debate, Kralev asked, “Does anything in the Foreign Service need to change?” A resounding “Yes” chorused throughout the room. The event ended the third year of the popular Book Notes series, which presents books of interest to the For- eign Service community. n BY EMILY A. HAWLEY, AFSA STAFF Author Nicholas Kralev presents his book, “America’s Other Army,” which focuses on the work of Foreign Service employees. DONNAAYERST