INSIDE THE WORLD OF MODERN DIPLOMACY
By EUNICE REDDICK and GINA ABERCROMBIE-WINSTANLEY
Running a Mini-Government at Diplomatic Missions Abroad
Managing multiple agencies overseas is an uphill battle, but working as one team is essential.
By CHARLES RAY and JANICE JACOBS
How the Lack of Diplomatic Doctrine Impairs Statecraft
Policymakers become fixated on policy and fail to focus on the process and methodologies needed to carry out that policy.
By CHAS W. FREEMAN
Diplomacy’s Hallmark: ‘Patient Accumulation of Partial Successes’
A diplomatic service is the steward of national interests, but few outsiders know what happens in an embassy.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
Coping with the Extremes of Consular Work in the Foreign Service
Evacuations from the Covid-19 epicenter in China and the advancing Taliban in Afghanistan pushed us to the limit.
By ALAN EATON
The First Practical Diplomacy Textbook Is Out. What Took So Long?
“Diplomatic Tradecraft” focuses on the knowledge and skills that in the past could be learned only on the job.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
From Mars to Venus: My Journey from Soldier to Diplomat
I experienced a bigger culture shock than I did as a young Black Texan in Germany in the 1960s.
By CHARLES RAY
Resign or Remain: Some Diplomats Face a Taxing Dilemma
There is always tension between trying to affect change in a bureaucracy quietly and resigning publicly to protest a policy.
By ROBERT DOWNES
Scenes from New Year’s Eve in the Foreign Service
Instead of celebrating, U.S. diplomats have contended with bombings, coups d’état, technology fears and other unwelcome disruptions.
By ROBIN HOLZHAUER
Parents Choose a Diplomatic Career. Their Children Live It.
Empowering our kids with some say in our moves from Europe to Central America to Africa proved immensely beneficial.
By VIRGINIA BLASER
Why Global Citizenship Education Should Become U.S. Policy
Few teachers try to fill the gap between what their students want to learn about the world and what schools mandate.
By JANETTE NEUMANN
Diplomats Acquire Unique Skills. Are They Applicable Elsewhere?
The ability to gather, analyze, synthesize and communicate information clearly is their best asset, former diplomats say.
By WILLIAM CASON
How to Use Artificial Intelligence in Diplomacy
Foreign affairs agencies should take a proactive approach to using the new technology to revolutionize the conduct of international relations.
By VIRGINIA BLASER
Diplomatic Chess or Checkers: What Is ‘Persona Non Grata’?
The reasons for applying the label include spying, tit-for-tat games, expressions of ideology and the whims of dictators.
By ROBERT DOWNES
A Diplomatic Assignment That Saved Lives But Caused Nightmares
Two years after Afghanistan’s collapse, a former Foreign Service officer’s memories still haunt him.
By MITCHELL ZUCKOFF
‘Youth Ambassador’ Got a Taste of Diplomacy at Dubai Expo
Fresh out of college, I joined 74 other Americans to staff the USA Pavilion, which celebrated freedom and diversity.
By CAITLYN PHUNG
Love and Loss: Valentine’s Day in the Foreign Service
Diplomats work hard to prevent bad things from happening, but sometimes tragedies occur even on the day that celebrates love.
By ROBIN HOLZHAUER
Why Senior Diplomats Should Listen More to Their Subordinates
Managers often talk at their staff, and little training is given on how to provide effective performance guidance.
By VIRGINIA BLASER
How Agricultural Diplomats Help to Feed Americans, and the World
They expand access to markets, promote U.S. exports and help developing countries improve their capacity.
By SUSAN PHILLIPS
Could a Breached 1994 Accord Provide Diplomatic Cover for Ukraine Talks?
Russia violated the Budapest Memorandum, but it hasn’t repudiated it. The document may still be useful.
By ROBERT DOWNES
Nurturing Diplomats’ Ties to Family and Friends Back Home
Long before email and social media, my parents wrote letters nearly every week, not just on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
By PATRICIA NORLAND