Writing and publishing while in the Foreign Service can often prove to be a challenge, whether due to time constraints or the clearance process. On August 21, AFSA presents a conversation with Foreign Service officer and author Matthew Palmer, whose debut thriller, The American Mission, has just been published. Palmer has been an FSO for over 20 years. He will discuss his approach to writing, the challenge of being able to put pen to paper while on duty, and the intrigues of navigating the clearance process.

The American Mission follows American diplomat Alex Baines on a harrowing tour in the Congo. After a devastating experience in Darfur strips Baines, former rising star of the State Department, of his security clearances, he is faced with two choices: spend the rest of his career in visa-stamping limbo or move to the private sector. On the verge of resigning, he receives a call from his old mentor with an incredible opportunity to start over, restoring both his security clearances and his reputation.

The job isn’t quite what Alex imagined it to be when he finds a shady U.S.-based mining company everywhere he turns. As violence in the political climate escalates, Alex struggles to balance the best interests of the United States with the fate of the Congo and its people. His loyalties are put to the test as he races to determine the right course of action.

This event takes place at AFSA HQ, 2101 E St NW, at 2:00 p.m. on August 21. Please RSVP to events@afsa.org. The event will be recorded and made available for online viewing.