What Is Foreign Policy Expertise? On July 31, Dan Spokojny led an AFSA speaker series webinar on the critical question: What constitutes true foreign policy expertise? Spokojny is a former FSO, former member of AFSA’s Governing Board, current FSJ Editorial Board member, and CEO of fp21, a foreign policy research nonprofit. Spokojny highlighted a concerning gap in the training and development of foreign policy professionals in his presentation. Unlike other public policy fields, foreign policy lacks standardized educational requirements, tradecraft, and professional skills necessary to prepare future leaders. This absence, according to Spokojny, leaves U.S. foreign policy vulnerable to inefficiency and diminishes the role of diplomacy within national security. Spokojny pointed to the limitations of the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). While FSI offers more than 800 courses, he argued that the curriculum is fragmented and lacks coherence, with courses like “Negotiation Techniques” lasting only a few days and often taught by outside consultants. Moreover, there is no system in place to ensure that best practices learned in training are applied on the job; nor are lessons from practical experience integrated back into the training programs. This lack of focus on skills development is reflected in the growing number of political appointees occupying leadership positions in the State Department, particularly in geopolitically significant ambassadorships—a trend Spokojny attributes at least in part to the absence of rigorous training and standards. The former FSO identified four essential components of foreign policy expertise: knowledge of U.S. foreign policy history and contemporary issues, understanding of bureaucracy and management, familiarity with academic theory and social science research methods, and proficiency in policymaking skills. He emphasized that these components should form the foundation of a standardized curriculum to elevate the State Department’s capabilities and ensure its leadership in global policymaking. The webinar concluded with a call to action for career diplomats to demand higher standards for training and professional development. Spokojny urges the State Department to implement a robust curriculum that would professionalize diplomacy, enhance collaboration, and ensure that U.S. foreign policy is guided by expertise rather than politics. AFSA members can access a recording of the event at afsa.org/video. n AFSA Hosts Book Notes Webinar On July 23, AFSA hosted a Book Notes event with Steve Herman, a seasoned Foreign Service officer and former Voice of America (VOA) White House correspondent. Herman was there to discuss his latest book, Behind the White House Curtain, which provides a glimpse into the Trump administration’s White House press operations and the shifting landscape of journalism in a polarized era. The conversation was moderated by former AFSA President Ambassador Eric Rubin. Herman, who has been an active member of the AFSA Governing Board as the U.S. Agency for Global Media representative for eight years, delved into his experiences covering the White House during a period marked by significant political and media turmoil. He shared personal anecdotes and professional insights about the challenges journalists faced during this time, including the intense scrutiny and political pressures that often sought to undermine objective reporting. Discussion also covered broader topics, such as the critical role of a free press and the ways in which political divisions have influenced media coverage. Herman reflected on the historical evolution of White House press interactions, emphasizing the enduring importance of a free and independent press. “A free press is fundamental to democracy because it allows for a multiplicity of voices and perspectives to be heard and scrutinized,” he said. Read Eric Rubin’s review of Herman’s book in the June 2024 edition of the FSJ. n THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024 65 AFSA NEWS Dan Spokojny
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