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The Foreign Service Journal, May-June 2026

Cover 1
Contents 4
Focus on AI in Diplomacy 31
Leading from the Edge: How Diplomats Are Actually Using AI 31
Beyond Borders: What U.S. Diplomats Can Learn from Global AI Innovation 34
AI Should Assist, Not Replace, U.S. Diplomats 37
Transforming Diplomatic Productivity with AI 40
Are AI Consular Officers in Our Future? 44
US(AI)D: What Launching AI Tools for Communicators Taught Us 47
At the Intersection of AI and Foreign Policy: A Q&A with Kelsey D. Atherton 50
Feature 53
First Contact: Uncle Sam Meets Vladimir Putin 53
Life After the Foreign Service 73
Beyond the Mission: Reinventing Yourself After Government Service 73
Education Supplement 76
Education in the Foreign Service: Navigating Transitions, Neurodiversity, and Academic Pathways 76
Education-at-a-Glance 83
Perspectives 7
President’s Views—A Trifecta for 2026 7
Letter from the Editor—It’s the People 9
Speaking Out—Diplomats Required: Shaping the New International Economic System 28
Reflections—The Trembling Earth: Guatemala, 1976 105
Local Lens—Svalbard, Norway 106
Departments 10
Letters 10
Letters-Plus 16
Talking Points 22
In Memory 89
Books 99
Marketplace 101
Real Estate 101
Index to Advertisers 103
Classifieds 104
AFSA News 58
AFSA Welcomes Embassy Evacuees Home 58
Service Disrupted—One Year Later 58
State VP Voice—Strength in Numbers 59
USAID VP Voice—Taking Care of Yourself and Moving Forward 60
Retiree VP Voice—Retirees Are Still in Service 61
Legal Defense Fundraiser 61
AFSA Member Meetup 63
Read the Latest Press Releases 63
Rally Marks One Year Since USAID Dismantling 64
Foreign Service Departures 65
Changes at AFSA’s Office of General Counsel 66
Court Rules VOA Firings Unlawful 67
MSPB Appeals Process Demystified 67
AFSA Governing Board Meetings, January 21 and February 18, 2026 67
Do Diplomacy and Development Have a PR Problem? 68
State Renames Personnel Bureau, Again 68
The Next Career Chapter 69
Reviewing Your Retirement Plan 69
Proposed AFSA Bylaw Amendments 70
USAID Memorial Wall Finds New Home 72

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