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June 2017

The Foreign Service Journal covers foreign affairs from an insider's perspective, providing thought-provoking articles on international issues, the practice of diplomacy and the U.S. Foreign Service. Including the AFSA News section, The Journal is published monthly (January-February and July-August issues combined) by the American Foreign Service Association.

The June issue focuses on diplomacy and defense.

We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.

PERSPECTIVES ON DIPLOMACY AND DEFENSE

Special Operations and Diplomacy: A Unique Nexus

There has been a growing convergence of interest between diplomacy and special operations since the 9/11 terror attacks.

BY STEVEN KASHKETT

Working with the U.S. Military: Let’s Take Full Advantage of Opportunities

The challenge for the State Department is not necessarily to reduce the role of the Department of Defense in foreign affairs, but to strengthen our own voice.

BY WANDA NESBITT

Killer Drones and the Militarization of U.S. Foreign Policy

In the eyes of many around the world, diplomacy has taken a back seat to military operations in U.S. foreign policy. The drone program is a prime example.

BY ANN WRIGHT

Creeping Foreign Policy Militarization or Creeping State Department Irrelevance?

State has ceded some turf to the military, but it’s not too late to regain it and rebalance the civilian-military equation in U.S. foreign affairs.

BY LARRY BUTLER

From the FSJ Archive: Defense and Security—Opposite Sides of the Same Coin

A September 1988 Conversation with Frank Carlucci.

EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT

New College, New Culture: Preparing for a Strong First Semester as a Third Culture Kid

TCKs deal with repatriation issues and reverse culture shock when they attend college in the United States. Here are some tips for success.

BY HANNAH MORRIS

Facts and Updates: Making Sense of the Department of State Education Allowance

An understanding of education allowances is crucial for Foreign Service families. Here is an introduction.

BY MARYBETH HUNTER

PERSPECTIVES

President's Views

Getting Out in Front

BY BARBARA STEPHENSON

Speaking Out

The Golden Rule of Professionalism

BY MATT TOMPKINS

AFSA NEWS

State VP Voice

On Launching a Rewarding Career

BY ANGIE BRYAN