The Foreign Service Journal, March 2023

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | MARCH 2023 5 March 2023 Volume 100, No. 2 Focus on FS Reform: Outlook and Considerations 23 Toward a More Modern Foreign Service: Next Steps A State Department reform push is now moving into Phase III with a practical vision. Here is an update. By Ma rc G r o s sma n a n d Ma rc i e R i e s 27 From Instinct to Evidence in Foreign Policy Decision-Making An argument for the practice of diplomacy to be more science and less art. By Da n Sp o ko j n y 31 Learning the Ropes Through Rotations Entry-level diplomats can gain valuable experience with rotational job opportunities. By Be a t r i c e Camp 34 Meritocracy at State: Who Deserves What How do we know who “deserves” to be admitted into the U.S. Foreign Service? An entry-level officer explores the question. By Ma r s h a l l Sh e r re l l 37 Why Senior Leaders Cannot Reform the State Department A close look at aspects of State Department culture that stand in the way of professional development and leadership training. By J o h n Fe r Feature 41 Mali’s SPEAR Team: Protecting U.S. Diplomats at a Dangerous Post A special program bolsters security at embassies and consulates in challenging environments. DSS special agents explain SPEAR and how it works in Mali. By Ky l e An d re a s e n 57 Summer Camps and Programs Supplement