INSIDE THE WORLD OF MODERN DIPLOMACY
By CAITLYN PHUNG
History Shock: Too Many Diplomats Are Ignorant of the Past
The lack of understanding of other countries’ histories — and the U.S. role in them — impedes diplomacy.
By JOHN DICKSON
A Visa Doesn’t Guarantee Entry, Just a ‘Knock on the Door’
Tennis star Novak Djokovic’s canceled Australian visa is a reminder of common misperceptions about consular services.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
Diplomats Remember Unique Christmas Experiences Abroad
One was caught up in Romania’s 1989 revolution. Another showed support for political prisoners in Cuba.
By ROBIN HOLZHAUER
Are Ambassadors Rarely Useful Relics? Discuss!
Politicians’ recent actions raise anew a question that has been asked after almost every major technological invention in history.
By DENNIS JETT
Applying Bruce Mau’s Life-Centered Design to Diplomacy
Dealing with problems “in the complexity of the ecosystem that creates them is probably the hardest thing to do,” says the Canadian designer.
By ROBIN HOLZHAUER
Why Are Soldiers Treated Better Than Diplomats?
People are the most important resource in government. In treating its own, the State Department can learn from the military.
By CHARLES RAY
Abroad for the Holidays, Diplomats Create Another Kind of Family
We invite guests to our homes for Thanksgiving to showcase American history, traditions and culture.
By ROBERT DOWNES
A 100-Day Plan: Getting Ready to Become an Ambassador
How creating opportunities for junior diplomats well above their pay grade shapes future chiefs of mission and a country’s influence.
By TED OSIUS
The Awesome Power That Lets One Senator Derail U.S. Diplomacy
Foreign countries are asking what kind of Senate rules allow a single member to block dozens of ambassadorial nominees.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
Preparing to Advance Global LGBTQ+ Rights Through Diplomacy
As a non-binary Foreign Service hopeful, I intend to build on a congressional internship and training at WIDA.
By JO DESMONE
Colin Powell’s Death Hits Career Diplomats Hard At a Precarious Time
For the Foreign Service, the blow is a reminder of just how low morale has sunk since he left Foggy Bottom.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
What Do Diplomats Do After Leaving the Foreign Service?
In a recent survey, 57 percent of those who retired in 2018 and 2019 said they took new jobs. A quarter of them were in full-time positions.
By JOHN K. NALAND
Diplomats’ Dilemma: Career Advancement or Having a Dog
A new CDC requirement makes it almost impossible to bring four-legged family members from 113 countries to the United States.
By CHRISTOPHER DATTA
State Department Recruiters Aim to Expand Foreign Service
Hiring more diplomats is contingent on congressional approval of a larger budget. It would increase applicants’ chances of getting in.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
‘I Will Not Let You Down’: Blinken Gets B- for First 8 Months at State
The secretary hasn’t quite managed to keep his promise to employees, but he hardly deserves all the blame.
By CHARLES RAY
How Does a College Student Fit in the World of Diplomacy?
A summer program in China and training at the Washington International Diplomatic Academy brought a Foreign Service career within reach.
By CHARLIE KEOHAN
Remember Her Name: Exhibit Honors Trailblazing Female Diplomats
They negotiated peace, strengthened diplomatic relations and opened doors for the exchange of cultures and ideas.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
Can Cyprus, ‘Graveyard of Diplomacy,’ Beat the Odds?
My Turkish-speaking community has been denied international representation for too long. I’m 24, and I hope to change that.
By DOGUKAN KANSU
Foreign Embassies in Washington See Silver Lining in a Tough Year
Covid-19 forced clumsy government bureaucracies to bring diplomacy into the digital age after decades of resistance.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
Afghanistan Doesn’t Have to Spell the End of Transformational Diplomacy
U.S. diplomats must continue to be active and energetic agents of change and keep in mind our diplomatic history.
By JACK ZETKULIC