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The article explores U.S. author, Arthur Brooks' views on happiness as a crucial skill for personal and professional fulfillment, advocating its cultivation amidst declining workplace satisfaction. Topics discussed include strategies for achieving enjoyment, satisfaction, and meaning in life, highlighting their impact on diplomatic effectiveness and organizational culture within the State Department.

The article highlights the prevalence of mental health challenges among children in the U.S., exacerbated by factors like frequent relocations in Foreign Service families. It emphasizes the importance of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA), providing tools to recognize and support mental health issues early, thereby reducing stigma and promoting family well-being.

The article highlights the U.S. State Department's urgent need to address workplace bullying and incivility, stressing U.S. Secretary Antony Blinken's initiative to modernize U.S. diplomacy. Topics discussed include challenges with overwork, inadequate supervisor support, and the recent implementation of anti-bullying policies.

The article discusses recent developments and challenges within the U.S. Foreign Service, highlighting significant confirmations of career diplomats to ambassadorial positions, efforts to commemorate the Foreign Service centennial, and ongoing legislative and operational updates. Topics include ambassadorial confirmations, the establishment of U.S. Foreign Service Day, and reforms in State Department management and cybersecurity strategy.

The article recounts the early days of the U.S. Liaison Office in Beijing, a precursor to diplomatic relations between the U.S. and China, detailing challenges and unique experiences of American diplomats in 1970s China. Topics discussed include the diplomatic setup, cultural isolation, and the ceremonial opening of the U.S. Embassy in 1979.

The article discusses the U.S. State Department's transition of the Foreign Service Officer Assessment (FSOA) to a virtual platform starting May 2024, aiming to reduce candidate burdens and enhance diversity by leveling access. Topics discussed include the rationale for the shift, the modification's impact on candidate accessibility, and the modernization of assessment practices to align with current standards in employee selection.

The article focuses on the struggle for gender equality in the U.S. diplomatic service in the 1970s. Topics include the discriminatory policies and practices faced by women in the Foreign Service, their limited career opportunities, and the efforts made by the Women's Action Organization to bring about change through legal action, advocacy, and education.

The article commemorates the 25 anniversary of the al-Qaida terrorist bombing attacks on the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. It features reflections from Ambassadors Prudence Bushnell and John Lange, who share their thoughts on the events and emphasize the importance of leadership, taking care of people, and being vigilant about security.

The article highlights American Foreign Service Association (AFSA's) 50th Memorial Plaque Ceremony, an annual event honoring fallen Foreign Service members at the State Department's C Street lobby. Topics discussed include the ceremony's history, AFSA's stewardship of the plaques since 1933, and Deputy Secretary Richard Verma's remarks emphasizing global leadership and honoring the sacrifices of those memorialized.

The article explores the evolving role of the U.S. in a multipolar 21st century marked by strategic competition, global climate challenges, and technological advancements. It emphasizes the enduring influence of U.S. values and institutions despite the shift from the "American Century," focusing on governance as pivotal for addressing global crises.

The article highlights American Foreign Service Association (AFSA's) celebration of Foreign Service Day, marking its 59th anniversary and the centennials of both the Foreign Service and AFSA. Topics discussed include the event's open house with networking opportunities, the debut of AFSA's centennial book, and advocacy efforts outlined during the Advocacy Year in Review.

The article provides updates on various global news briefs.Topics include the evacuation of american embassy personnel from Sudan due to deteriorating security, the ongoing dispute between House Republicans and the U. S.State Department over the Afghanistan military withdrawal, and the suspension of the Anglo-American School in Moscow by the Russian government.

The article informs the need to reform the Foreign Service Employee Evaluation Report (EER) system, currently considered broken. Topics include the shortcomings of the existing EER system in accurately identifying high and low performers; its time-consuming nature & the proposal for a new EER system that simplifies evaluations by introducing check boxes for performance levels; and emphasizing honest feedback for improved efficiency and fairness in evaluating Foreign Service employees.

The article discusses the possibility of expanding the reappointment policy for Foreign Service officers, commonly known as "boomerang" workers, who return to previous employers. Topics include the benefits of reappointment, the current policy limitations, the need for workforce changes, and the potential positive impact of reappointment on retention, diversity, upskilling, and incremental change within the Foreign Service.

The article explores the origins and establishment of the U.S. Foreign Service following the Rogers Act of 1924, driven by factors including World War I and domestic political changes, discussed in a lecture at National Museum of American Diplomacy (NMAD).

The article explores the launch of a modernized Commercial Service aimed at enhancing organizational effectiveness through technology and strategic policy moves, supported by significant leadership involvement and stakeholder input. Topics discussed include the implementation process, the impact on field staff, and concerns about budget constraints affecting operational quality and staff retention.

The article explores the evolution of periodical from its contentious beginnings to its current role as a platform for constructive discourse within the diplomatic community. Topics discussed include the initial resistance from the State Department, the journal's shift towards educational goals, and its current role in shaping diplomatic practices and policies.

The article explores the evolution of the U.S. Foreign Service over 100 years, discussing its structural changes, challenges during political turmoil, and future adaptations to cybersecurity and climate change, including the proposal for a Diplomatic Reserve Corps.

The article introduces American Foreign Service Association's (AFSA) April 2024 cohort of 230 new Foreign Service professionals at AFSA headquarters, emphasizing their diverse backgrounds, government experience, and language skills.

The article recounts the tragic case of Foreign Service Officer, Charles Thomas, whose suicide in 1971 prompted reforms in the Foreign Service's promotion and retirement policies. Topics discussed include the historical context of Thomas's case, the specifics of the annuity exception policy, and its comparison to similar provisions in the military.

The article reflects Lisa Ahramjian's tenure as American Foreign Service Association vice president, emphasizing advocacy for organizational change and addressing critical issues such as payroll corrections, Senior Foreign Service (SFS) pay directives, and collective bargaining agreement renegotiations. It also highlights efforts to establish Foreign Service-designated positions at headquarters, aiming to enhance FSO influence and career predictability.

The article commemorates the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Foreign Service, highlighting its role in advancing American diplomacy and protecting national interests globally. Topics discussed include the dedication of Foreign Service officers, their support for U.S. citizens abroad, and bipartisan legislative efforts to enhance their welfare.

The article focuses on American diplomatic and development leaders construct an Africa strategy that bridges a single administration partisan divides and cultivates the growth of long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with African partners. Topics include examines one pillar of this approach should be to employ one of the most potent and effective, but underutilized strategic instruments such as investments in higher education.

The article discusses the life and career of John Sherman Cooper, a prominent statesman and diplomat from Somerset, Kentucky, known for his independent and bipartisan approach to politics. From his early years in Somerset to his service in the U.S. Senate and as ambassador, Cooper's dedication to representing the people and advocating for social programs left a lasting impact on Kentucky and the nation.

The article presents the discussion on Virginia House delegates David Reid (D-28) and Paul Krizek (D-16) sponsored a joint resolution honoring the Foreign Service highlighting the history of the Foreign Service and the devotion of its members.

The article presents a speech by Donald J. Trump, Republican candidate for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, delivered at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee 2016 Policy Conference, held in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 2016. Topics of the speech include Trump's strategy to dismantle the U.S. nuclear deal with Iran, the incompetence of the United Nations, and plans to move the American embassy in Jerusalem.

In his article, the author reflects on his two tours in Afghanistan from 2002- 2012, and offers his perspective on the U.S. efforts in Afghanistan and the repeating patterns of engagement and abandonment. It mentions that the sheriffs and nation builders vied for primacy in U.S. policy, with Afghanistan at times treated like a partner and at others used as a platform. It also mentions restoration of the Noh Gumbad Mosque funded by the U.S. embassy.

The article focuses on the role of American diplomats in setting up the U.S. embassy in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia to build the U.S.-Mongolia relationship. It mentions that Foreign Service Officers (FSOs), Michael Senko and Ted Nist, arrived and reopened the embassy in June 1989 which reported on a confluence of events including unexpected pro-democracy, anti–Communist Party mass demonstrations by young Mongolians.

The article discusses impact of COVID-19 pandemic on children of the Foreign Service. Topics discussed include concern over students' loss of attachment to those in a school community whose role is to help kids; ability of boarding schools to create safe bubbles through quarantining students; and additional challenges for students who struggle with executive functioning.

The article summarize reports on boosting U.S. diplomacy, from the Council on Foreign Relations, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and the Center for American Progress. Topics include revitalizing the State Department and American diplomacy; making U.S. foreign policy work better for the middle class; and building sustainable and value based national security approach by the newly elected president Joe Biden.

The article offers information on recent nominations and confirmations for high-level foreign affairs positions in the U.S. Topics including the appointment of career Foreign Service Officers and political appointees to various ambassadorships and key roles; the breaking of a confirmation logjam in the Senate; notable vacancies and appointments in the State Department leadership; and obstructing senators' holds on nominees and the elevation of CIA Director William Burns to the Cabinet.

The article reflects on author's tenure as president of American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) and highlights the need to restore morale and purpose in the Foreign Service. Topics include the challenges faced by the Foreign Service, concerns about morale and retention, and the importance of taking care of each other and acknowledging the realities of U.S. diplomacy.

The article highlights the recipients of the Public Diplomacy Council of America's annual awards for excellence in public diplomacy. Topics include the achievements of the U.S. Embassy Kyiv's PD section, Onur Dizdar's game development strategy in Turkey, and Monica Sarmiento's programs commemorating the U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations.

The article presents life and work experience of the U.S. diplomat, Anthony Lake, along with mentions the Idealism, Diplomacy and Power of Anthony Lake. It discusses that Lake showed a steady commitment to public service, as well as a belief in speaking truth to power, along with mentions that Lake co-drafted an appeal soliciting contributions to the American Foreign Service Association Legal Defense Fund to help defray their legal expenses.

The article offers information that retired Foreign Service officer and veteran of the Balkan crisis offers a clear-eyed assessment of Bosnia and Herzegovina a quarter-century after Dayton. It mentions the ethnic identity of groups of those associated with the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with discusses the struggle of conflicting ethnic group rights.

The article presents interview with the Ambassador, Edward J. Perkins 2020 Recipient of the American Foreign Service Association Award for Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy. It mentions that how did military service help prepare Perkins for the Foreign Service. It discusses that when and how did Perkins decided to be a diplomat.