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The Foreign Service Journal, September-October 2026

Cover 1
Contents 4
Focus on a World Without USAID 20
The Aid Transition Alliance: Running Toward a Disaster 20
The USAID Community Steps Forward 24
Rebuilding After Crisis 26
Collateral Damage: The Human Cost of Dismantling USAID 29
USAID Coaches Continue Their Mission 34
They Left Nothing 38
USAID Alumni Resources 42
Retirement Supplement 63
Curiosity Never Retires: Why Lifelong Learning Should Be in Your Future 63
Perspectives 7
President’s Views—Into the Great Unknown 7
Letter from the Editor—Enduring Purpose 9
Speaking Out—Before We Rebuild, We Need to Reckon 18
Reflections—Learning When to Leave the Group 84
Local Lens—Niamey, Niger 86
Departments 10
Letters 10
Talking Points 12
In Memory 68
Books 77
Marketplace 80
Real Estate 80
Index to Advertisers 82
Classifieds 83
AFSA News 45
AFSA, AFGE Team Up to Mark One Year Since RIFs 45
Meet the 2026 AFSA Merit Award Winners 45
State VP Voice—We’re All in This Together 46
USAID VP Voice—A Last Cup of Tea 47
Retiree VP Voice—The Future with AFSA 48
Manage Your AFSA Membership Online 48
AFSA on the Road—Connecting with Students at Northwestern 50
A Profession Worth Defending 51
USAID Memorial Wall Finds Permanent Home at State 52
AFSA Opens Its Doors 52
FAM Changes: What AFSA Members Need to Know 53
AFSA Governing Board Meetings, May 20 and June 20, 2026 53
Donuts with Dink 54
AFSA Names Strategic Writing Award Winner 54
AFSA Marks 30 Years of Chautauqua Partnership 60
Minnesota Retirees Recognized for State Tax Exemption Win 60
AFSA Welcomes New USAGM Representative 61
AFSA Bylaw Amendments and Referendum 62
Foreign Service Departures for 2025–2026 62

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