The Foreign Service Journal, November 2014

8 NOVEMBER 2014 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Focus on Foreign Service Writing BY SHAWN DORMAN O Shawn Dorman is the editor of The Foreign Service Journal. focus this month on Foreign Service writing as we take the wonderful annual trek through the latest books by mem- bers of the FS community in “In Their Own Write,” and a look at books “Of Related Interest” by non-FS authors. About half of the books featured are self-published. This publishing option has become a viable way to get a book out into the world while retaining the rights as well as (much) more of the profits. See “Self Publishing” by Susan Maitra and Brittany DeLong. The Foreign Service book roundup is one of my favorite features in the Journal each year, as we can showcase the often hidden writing talents in our commu- nity. This year, for the first time, we are hosting a “Book Market” event for these FS authors at AFSA on Nov. 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. Do stop by. Authors will be available to discuss their work and sign books. Now that you are inspired, it’s time to consider your own writing. This year, we are offering up our 2015 focus topic cal- endar early so that more Foreign Service authors can consider submitting articles related to one of the focus topics. We also welcome and encourage articles on any subject that would be of interest to the FS community and other current and future foreign affairs profes- sionals. Articles on topics of present-day concern are most encouraged, and we do not need to wait for a focus to include such contributions. We are always on the lookout for good Speaking Out submissions, as well as articles for Reflections, FS Know How, FS Heritage and the features sec- tion. And if you have an idea for a book review, please be in touch. Also please consider sharing your thoughts on any article by sending a let- ter to the editor. Comments can also be shared on the Journal Facebook page. Keep in mind that the time from submission to publication will be at least six to eight weeks, so if a focus topic is of interest, aim to submit at least two months before publication. Thanks for reading, and writing. We look forward to hearing from you. n n Oct. 1, I had the distinct privilege of accompanying AFSA President Bob Silver- man to interview Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns on the occa- sion of his upcoming retirement from a 33-year distinguished diplomatic career. In “A Life of Significance”—which is what Amb. Burns calls the Foreign Service career—he reflects on his experiences, looking back and looking ahead, sharing advice for the next generation of diplo- mats. Having been deeply involved in U.S.-Russian (and previously, Soviet) rela- tions over many years, Amb. Burns offers tips for those heading out to assignments in Russia today. In our cover story, Ambassador James Goodby describes what he calls the “Putin Doctrine,” and suggests the appropriate U.S. response in an updated version of containment, “preventive diplomacy.” Former Secretary of State George Shultz joins the conversation, offering his take on the doctrine and the best way forward for U.S. engagement with Russia. Elsewhere in the issue, in an Appre- ciation of Ambassador Terence Todman, friend and colleague JimDandridge writes about Todman’s extraordinary life of pioneering service. In President’s Views, Bob Silverman reflects on staffing issues and the need to right the personnel balance at State. Ambassador Ed Peck shares an old photo that brought back memories of an Algerian adventure, circa 1966. In addition to those special features, we 2015 Focus Topic Calendar JANUARY/FEBRUARY: The Teaching of Diplomacy MARCH: Iran Today: The Role for Diplomacy APRIL: Defining Acceptable Risk, plus 40 Years Since the Fall of Saigon MAY: USAID Working in Conflict Zones: Practitioners’ Views JUNE: Diversity in the FS and the Status of LGBT Rights JULY-AUGUST: The State of Diplomacy and Diplomacy as a Profession SEPTEMBER: AFSA Awards Program, plus A Look at the Foreign Service Act of 1980 OCTOBER: Staffing and Assignments (especially Priority Staffing Posts) NOVEMBER: In Their Own Write (books by FS-affiliated authors), plus The U.S. Diplomacy Center Today DECEMBER: Making a Difference: The International Visitor Program Turns 75