58 JULY AUGUST 2024 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL PODCAST “100 Years Old and Still Kicking It” On May 2, AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi joined the hosts of the American Diplomat podcast, Ambassador Pete Romero and Laura Bennett, to discuss the 100-year evolution of the Foreign Service and outline how it will meet the challenges of the future. The episode, “100 Years Old and Still Kicking It,” highlights the Foreign Service and AFSA centennial. Produced out of Arizona State University, with ongoing support from AFSA, the American Diplomat podcast goes behind the scenes with diplomats whose experiences abroad have brought them face-to-face with newsworthy, historic events. Yazdgerdi pointed to the pivotal role of the 1924 Rogers Act in establishing a merit-based system for the U.S. diplomatic corps. The act transformed an opaque, nepotistic system into an ecosystem of competitive exams and merit-based promotions. These structural shifts led to profound changes in the Service over the last century, such as the integration of women. The podcast panel also discussed the challenges faced by the Foreign Service during politically turbulent times. They highlighted the financial support AFSA’s Legal Defense Fund gave to some of those called to testify before Congress in the Trump 2019 impeachment proceedings. Yazdgerdi also emphasized the importance of adequately funding the Foreign Service to maintain global competitiveness. Looking to the future, the participants touched on the need for the Foreign Service to adapt to modern challenges like cybersecurity and climate change by incorporating specialized training and expertise involving data science and quantum computing. They also discussed the concept of a Diplomatic Reserve Corps, akin to a military reserve. This initiative, supported by AFSA, proposes a force of ready individuals, including retirees and those with specialized skills, who could be mobilized in times of crisis. Listen to the entire podcast at https://bit.ly/44MIK7f. n AFSA NEWS AFSA President Tom Yazdgerdi with podcast hosts on May 2. AFSA/NADJA RUZICA
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