INSIDE THE WORLD OF MODERN DIPLOMACY
By CHARLES RAY
How to Prepare for Renewed Great-Power Rivalry
The State Department must better equip U.S. diplomats to outmaneuver an increasingly assertive China and a newly aggressive Russia.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
Gay U.S. Diplomats Still Battle Discrimination Abroad
Despite recently won rights at home, LGBTI+ members of the Foreign Service are not welcome in 70 countries.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
and LOUIS SAVOIA
Two-Century-Old House Thrives As Center for Diplomacy
The DACOR Bacon House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
By PATRICIA NORLAND
and ROBIN HOLZHAUER
Foreign Service Children’s Spell in a Bomb Shelter
The two teenage sons of U.S. diplomats recall the recent 11-day conflict between Israel and Hamas.
By ALEX NEISULER
and MARTIN NEISULER
Watchdog Rebukes State Department’s Legislative Operation
A recent inspection found dysfunctional leadership and an inadequate organizational structure.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
He Founded a School in South Sudan at 26, and U.S. Bet on Him
Exchange programs for young Africans have produced significant dividends. We should expand those investments.
By TOM HUSHEK
Why It Takes So Long to Appoint U.S. Ambassadors
The answer lies in a mix of legal requirements, politics and a cumbersome government bureaucracy.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
and LOUIS SAVOIA
How to Leverage National Assets for City Diplomacy
Congress may be the best place to go to advocate for an office at Foggy Bottom dedicated to local and state governments.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
and LOUIS SAVOIA
Inspirations in Diplomacy: Mentorship Makes All the Difference
In the Foreign Service, success is impossible without support and guidance from mentors and colleagues.
By CHARLES RAY
The World Needs a Democracy That Educates Its Citizens to Lead It
In the second of two winning essays in our 2021 college contest, a student writes an open letter to President Biden.
By CONNOR MATTESON
How Values-Based Diplomacy Can Augment U.S. Global Primacy
In the first of two winning essays in our 2021 college contest, a student writes an open letter to President Biden.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
In Open Letters to Biden, Students Share Views on U.S. Global Role
They worry about domestic problems and see them as impediments to effective American leadership abroad.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
A Consul General With Housemates and No Office
In what would become South Sudan, I practiced Indiana Jones-style expeditionary diplomacy on the ragged edge of the universe.
By CHRISTOPHER DATTA
Why Defense Gets 12 Times More Money Than Diplomacy
Although tempting, comparing the two budgets is as meaningless as comparing apples to onions. Let’s tend the whole orchard for a change.
By CHARLES RAY
Ambassador Gina: WIDA Instructor Is First State Dept. Diversity Chief
Gina Abercrombie-Winstanley has never missed a chance to inspire students to pursue diplomacy careers.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
A State Department Internship Showed Why Diplomacy Isn’t for Me
The transient diplomatic lifestyle and exhausting bureaucracy outweighed the prestige of a Foreign Service career.
By CLIFF DJAJAPRANATA
In Rare Move, Black Career Diplomat Is Named Assistant Secretary of State
A two-time ambassador, Brian Nichols belongs to a tiny minority of Foreign Service officers to make it to the top.
By NICHOLAS KRALEV
U.S. Public Diplomacy’s Secret Weapons Are Too Few
American Spaces abroad counter malign foreign influence and promote democracy and human rights. But they are grossly underfunded.
By GORDON DUGUID
For Americans in Trouble Abroad, a Consular Officer May Be the Only Hope
Helping victims of abuse, rape and abduction is arduous, exhausting and the most rewarding work.
By MATTHEW KEENE
Curating Diplomacy: Museum Tells of U.S. Global Engagement
From Benjamin Franklin to Iran hostages to the Dayton Accords, the collection aims to bring diplomats’ work to life.
By ROBIN HOLZHAUER