May 2018
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 May issue focuses on democracy.
We always welcome short, focused letters about FSJ content; please send them to journal@afsa.org.
COVER STORY
Straight Talk on Diplomatic Capacity
Lessons learned from the Tillerson tenure can help the new Secretary of State enhance the State Department’s core diplomatic and national security mission.
FOCUS ON DEMOCRACY
The State of Democracy in Europe and Eurasia: Four Challenges
In a decade of backsliding on democracy around the world, the countries of Europe and Eurasia feature prominently.
Worrisome Trends in Latin America
Widespread corruption, crime and a lack of security, education, employment and basic services are driving a loss of faith in democracy throughout the continent.
USAID Election Assistance: Lessons from the Field
Since the 1990s electoral assistance has come into its own as a branch of foreign aid and as an academic discipline.
Saudi Arabia: Liberalization, Not Democratization
The plan for sweeping changes to meet economic and demographic challenges does not appear to include an opening-up of the political system.
Supporting Civil Society in the Face of Closing Space
Development professionals focus on the need to bolster and expand civil society’s “open space” in countries around the world.
Authoritarianism Gains in Southeast Asia
A new breed of autocrat seems to be taking root in Southeast Asia today. Is the “domino theory” finally playing out?
Democracy in Indonesia: A Progress Report
On the 20th anniversary of its democratic experiment, Indonesia can cite significant gains. Growing challenges may threaten that progress.