The Foreign Service Journal, September 2017

96 SEPTEMBER 2017 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL about key policy initiatives and plummeting morale among State’s career diplomats and civil servants. This book might offer key play- ers at the White House and National Security Council some much-needed education. Like an Audubon Society field guide, which provides comprehen- sive accounts of the traits, habitats and behaviors of birds or insects, this outstanding volume details nearly every aspect of career diplomacy in the United States. From the 13 oral assess- ment dimensions and A-100 classes to dissent, expeditionary diplomacy, tandem couples and LGBT issues, the authors dissect the Foreign Service as an institution, describe the profession, chart typical career trajectories and contemplate the future. This third edition, by Harry Kopp and John Naland (taking over from the late Charles “Tony” Gillespie), draws not only on the authors’ decades of experi- ence as career FSOs, but on interviews with 140 current and former foreign affairs practitioners. What the authors have produced is encyclopedic in breadth, offering considerable detail on topics that would be hard to find elsewhere. How does the Foreign Service rank-in-person and up- or-out system contrast with that of the Civil Service? What are FSOs paid, and A Field Guide to U.S. Diplomacy Career Diplomacy: Life and Work in the U.S. Foreign Service, 3rd Edition Harry W. Kopp and John K. Naland, Georgetown University Press, 2017, $89.95/hardcover, $29.95/paperback, 296 pages. Reviewed By Carey Cavanaugh This year may mark a historic shift in American global leadership, as the new administration raises questions about the reliability of international secu- rity commitments, moves away from multilateral trade arrangements and joint action on climate change, and de- emphasizes the promotion of democracy and human rights. President Donald Trump’s contra- dictory statements, tweets and actions have left friends and foes uncertain about exactly where Washington stands on major policy issues and unsure of how best to effectively engage the United States. The task of addressing such uncertainty and facilitating such engagement—as Career Diplomacy recounts—traditionally falls to the Department of State and the U.S. For- eign Service. Regrettably, Trump’s team has largely sidelined America’s diplo- mats, questioning both their value and loyalty. It has shown neither an appreciation for their deep, specialized knowledge and expertise, nor an under- standing of the critical roles that the State Department and Foreign Service play in protecting and advancing U.S. vital interests. The consequences of this have been widely reported: easily avoided protocol and policy missteps, uncoordinated gov- ernment action, significant confusion BOOKS how does locality pay work? What was the impact of the Palmer lawsuit? Why is there controversy surrounding account- ability review boards? There are few important issues that are not addressed herein. As a reference work, Career Diplo- macy could prove invaluable for university career counselors, foreign affairs journalists and the Washington diplomatic corps. For some, however, its inclusiveness will make for a difficult read. Aspiring foreign affairs profession- als, simply seeking to learn about the functions of a U.S. diplomatic mission, may be better served by Shawn Dor- man’s Inside a U.S. Embassy ( AFSA FS Books, 2011). Those who decide to take the plunge and sign up for the Foreign Service exam, however, will be well served by the authors’ extensive elaboration of what remains a unique and complex entry process. New employees at State (Foreign Service or Civil Service) cer- tainly should add Kopp and Naland to their personal professional libraries. It is probably the best and the worst time for a definitive work to be pub- lished on this subject. Best, because a greater understanding of the importance of diplomacy and the contributions made by the State Department and the Foreign Service is desperately needed. Worst, because even though Career Diplomacy takes into account the early days of the Trump presidency, there is little doubt that some steps being taken today will have lasting impact. The authors would be well-advised to start working on the next edition. Many pundits forecast dire times ahead for American diplomacy. Career Diplomacy , however, describes a Foreign Service and State Department that remain professional, flexible and It is probably the best and the worst time for a definitive work to be published on this subject.