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
e-journal
Diplomatic Diary
Inside the World of Modern Diplomacy
‘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
What Can a Young Diplomat Expect to Achieve in Today’s World?
Diplomacy is a genuine force for good. As a Latvian Foreign Service officer, I want to be a part of it.
By DĀVIS BAUMANIS
Foreign Policy Reporters See Return to Normal Under Biden
A renewed focus on policy and better access have made covering the State Department more effective, they say.
By LOUIS SAVOIA
U.S. Diplomats Preach Ideals Their Country Flouts. Is That Hypocrisy?
Our imperfections shouldn’t prevent us from improving other countries. We should work to correct our deficiencies.
By ROBERT DOWNES
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
Summer Diplomatic Academy
8–30 July 2026
One-Year Certificate in International Diplomacy
28 September 2026 — 7 May 2027
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