PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION APRIL 2021

VIRTUAL DIPLOMACY?

FOREIGN SERVICE April 2021 Volume 98, No. 3

Focus on Diplomacy Feature in an Age of Disruption 53 Effective Public Diplomacy: Lessons from Tuk-Tam Listen first, one retired PD practitioner advises. Here is his story of a very successful program. By Ken Moskowitz

26 39 Can Diplomacy Transferring in Be Done Virtually? a Time of Chaos Two Foreign Service officers explore Challenging in the best of times, the question through the lens of FS transfers have become crucibles personal experience. Their answer: in of resilience and determination some ways yes, but mostly no. during the pandemic. By Jessica Huaracayo and By Cameron Woodworth Alexis Ludwig Appreciation 44 31 Pandemic Parenting— Commercial Diplomacy How Foreign Service 56 Strong—Raising the Bar Moms Are (Not) A Truly in the Virtual Era Making It Work Trustworthy Leader In 2020 U.S. companies were forced FS parents—in particular, FS moms— George P. Shultz into a new world of lockdowns and are stretched to the breaking point, 1920-2020 virtual relations, where work norms and there doesn’t seem to be had to be refashioned. A commercial an end in sight. By Steven Alan Honley officer looks at the way ahead. By Donna Scaramastra Gorman By Aileen Nandi 34 49 Retirement In-Person Exchanges, My Reintroduction Supplement Interrupted to America— Some virtual components have A COVID-19 Journey proved helpful, but the face-to-face Returning “home” after years experience—the heart and soul of an overseas is notoriously difficult. 70 exchange program—is irreplaceable. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the Twelve Pitfalls By Deena Mansour experience a whole new, and What to do and what not to do surprising, twist. when planning for life post-career. By Kimberly Harmon By John K. Naland

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 5 FOREIGN SERVICE

Perspectives Departments

7 85 10 Letters President’s Views Reflections Taking Care of Our The Case of the 13 Letters-Plus Colleagues—and Ourselves Bungled Blacklist 17 Talking Points By Eric Rubin By Kevin Chambers 78 Books 9 86 Letter from the Editor Local Lens Virtual Diplomacy Jurmala, Latvia in an Age of Disruption By Paul Poletes By Shawn Dorman Marketplace 23 80 Real Estate Speaking Out 83 Classifieds Resilience Leadership By Josh Glazeroff 84 Index to Advertisers

AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATION

59 AFSA Celebrates Win on Meritorious Service 66 AFSA Welcomes New Hires to the Foreign Service Increases 67 Save the Date: Foreign Service Day Virtual Events 60 State VP Voice—Are Linked Assignments 68 AFSA Webinar: Reviewing Your Retirement Plan Worth It Anymore? 68 USAID Seeks Assignment and Career Counselors 61 USAID VP Voice—Schedule F(SL): 69 APHIS Offers Foreign Service Fellowship Noncareer Hiring Takes a Toll 62 FCS VP Voice—Our Biggest Untapped Resource 63 AFSA President Meets with Members in 65 Virtual Town Halls 63 AFSA Governing Board Meeting, Feb. 17, 2021 64 State MED Director Briefs AFSA Members on Slow Vaccine Rollout 65 AFSA Seeks Award Nominations for 2021

On the Cover—Illustration by Connie McLennan.

6 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL PRESIDENT’S VIEWS

Taking Care of Our Colleagues— and Ourselves

BY ERIC RUBIN

ife in the Foreign Service is always ing pandemic is just one example of the We believe the Foreign Service needs challenging. The constant moves, bravery and dedication of its members. significant growth in both resources and the stresses on spouses and fami- Another is the first impeachment personnel, with a rough ideal target of Llies, the unfamiliar illnesses and process of 2019-2020, which saw more 1,000 additional Foreign Service posi- the recurring heavy doses of risk can make than a dozen of our colleagues com- tions at State and equivalent proportional our profession hard to sustain. pelled to testify or give depositions increases in the other departments and For members who do not look like under oath against the express instruc- agencies we represent. the white males making up the major- tions of the president of the United We need a strong and urgent focus on ity of America’s diplomats throughout States. Our colleagues who testified turning around the intolerable decline in most of our history, there are additional turned what could have been a wrench- diversity in all our agencies. And we need obstacles and stresses. Add to this the ingly painful experience into a moment to get the Foreign Service back to the cen- frequent swings of the political pen- of pride, patriotism and determination. ter of the policymaking process on both dulum that undermine trust in our Career colleagues across the govern- foreign affairs and foreign assistance. nonpartisan Service. ment also demonstrated that loyal public From President Biden on down, the This set of problems was com- servants will not be hung out to dry when new administration has sent many posi- pounded in recent years by a hostile and pulled into the Washington political mael- tive signals. We welcome the commit- suspicious attitude toward the Foreign strom, and that their colleagues—and ment to support and defend our country’s Service from our country’s senior lead- their union—will be there to support them career public servants and to ensure they ers, and a lack of respect for experience, even in the toughest of times. That was have the resources and backing to get the expertise and professional knowledge. not the case during the Red Scares and job done right for the American people. Some of our most talented senior col- Lavender Scares of the 1940s and 1950s, We especially welcome the announced leagues were forced out of the Service, when some of our best diplomats found readiness to work with us and other and with them went much of our ability themselves alone and without support in federal unions as partners, with the shared to speak truth to power. The events of the face of unfair, outrageous and some- goal of improving the effectiveness and Jan. 6 deeply affected many members, times illegal attacks on their integrity. impact of the U.S. Foreign Service while both for the attack on the core institu- The recent annual federal employee raising morale and job satisfaction. tions of our country but also the lack of a surveys show a big drop in career and We also welcome the renewed focus strong response from agency leaders to personal satisfaction in all the foreign on work-life balance, quality of life for the concerns of their career employees. affairs agencies. We need to swiftly take employees and their family members, Yet this difficult period also saw sus- action to get back to the kind of broad and support for locally employed staff tained excellence and a renewed com- satisfaction our colleagues reported less who often sacrifice much to make U.S. mitment to serve than a decade ago. efforts succeed. our nation. That In conveying our priorities to the We at AFSA want to seize this hopeful the Foreign Service new administration and to Congress, and urgent moment. We need your advice helped more than AFSA has laid out a vision for achiev- and suggestions on how we can best serve 100,000 Americans ing a significant increase in our positive you in helping to build a healthier and get home in the contributions to the country’s national happier career Foreign Service. Please midst of a surg- security, prosperity and global role. write to us at [email protected]. n

Ambassador Eric Rubin is the president of the American Foreign Service Association.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 7 FOREIGN SERVICE

Editor-in-Chief, Director of Publications Shawn Dorman: [email protected] www.afsa.org Senior Editor Susan Brady Maitra: [email protected]

Managing Editor CONTACTS Kathryn Owens: [email protected] AFSA Headquarters: FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION Associate Editor (202) 338-4045; Fax (202) 338-6820 Director of Finance and Facilities Cameron Woodworth: [email protected] State Department AFSA Office: Femi Oshobukola: [email protected] (202) 647-8160; Fax (202) 647-0265 Publications Coordinator Manager, HR and Operations USAID AFSA Office: Dmitry Filipoff: [email protected] Cory Nishi: [email protected] (202) 712-1941; Fax (202) 216-3710 Controller Business Development Manager— FCS AFSA Office: Kalpna Srimal: [email protected] Advertising and Circulation (202) 482-9088; Fax (202) 482-9087 Member Accounts Specialist Molly Long: [email protected] Ana Lopez: [email protected] GOVERNING BOARD IT and Infrastructure Coordinator Art Director President Aleksandar “Pav” Pavlovich: Caryn Suko Smith Hon. Eric S. Rubin: [email protected] [email protected] Editorial Board Secretary Alexis Ludwig, Chair Ken Kero-Mentz: [email protected] COMMUNICATIONS Hon. Robert M. Beecroft Treasurer Director of Communications Daniel Crocker Virginia L. Bennett: [email protected] Ásgeir Sigfússon: [email protected] Joel Ehrendreich State Vice President Manager of Outreach and Internal Harry Kopp Thomas Yazdgerdi: [email protected] Communications Jess McTigue USAID Vice President Christopher Teal Allan Saunders: [email protected] Jason Singer: [email protected] Joe Tordella Online Communications Manager FCS Vice President Vivian Walker Jeff Lau: [email protected] Jay Carreiro: [email protected] Hon. Laurence Wohlers Awards and Scholarships Manager FAS Vice President Dinah Zeltser-Winant Theo Horn: [email protected] Vacant Retiree Vice President MEMBERSHIP AND OUTREACH THE MAGAZINE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS John K. Naland: [email protected] Director, Programs and Member Engagement PROFESSIONALS State Representatives Christine Miele: [email protected] The Foreign Service Journal (ISSN 0146-3543), Joshua C. Archibald 2101 E Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20037-2990 is Manager, Outreach and Maria Hart published monthly, with combined January-February Strategic Communications and July-August issues, by the American Foreign Service Kristin Michelle Roberts Nadja Ruzica: [email protected] Association (AFSA), a private, nonprofit organization. Carson Relitz Rocker Material appearing herein represents the opinions of the Coordinator of Member Recruitment Jason Snyder writers and does not necessarily represent the views of and Benefits the Journal, the Editorial Board or AFSA. Writer queries Tamir Waser Perri Green: [email protected] and submissions are invited, preferably by email. The USAID Representative Retirement Benefits Counselor Journal is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, Trevor Hublin photos or illustrations. Advertising inquiries are invited. Dolores Brown: [email protected] All advertising is subject to the publisher’s approval. FCS Alternate Representative AFSA reserves the right to reject advertising that is not Mike Calvert LABOR MANAGEMENT in keeping with its standards and objectives. The appear- FAS Alternate Representative ance of advertisements herein does not imply endorse- General Counsel Mary Parrish ment of goods or services offered. Opinions expressed in Sharon Papp: [email protected] advertisements are the views of the advertisers and do USAGM Representative Deputy General Counsel not necessarily represent AFSA views or policy. Journal Steve Herman Raeka Safai: [email protected] subscription: AFSA member–$20, included in annual APHIS Representative dues; student–$30; others–$50; Single issue–$4.50. Senior Staff Attorneys Russell Duncan For foreign surface mail, add $18 per year; foreign airmail, Zlatana Badrich: [email protected] $36 per year. Periodical postage paid at Washington, D.C., Retiree Representatives Neera Parikh: [email protected] and at additional mailing offices. Indexed by the Public Mary Daly Labor Management Counselor Affairs Information Services (PAIS). Philip A. Shull Colleen Fallon-Lenaghan: Email: [email protected] [email protected] Phone: (202) 338-4045 STAFF Senior Labor Management Advisor Fax: (202) 338-8244 Executive Director James Yorke: [email protected] Web: www.afsa.org/fsj Ásgeir Sigfússon: [email protected] Labor Management Coordinator Executive Assistant to the President © American Foreign Service Association, 2021 Patrick Bradley: [email protected] Richard Bruner: [email protected] Senior Grievance Counselor PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. Office Coordinator Heather Townsend: [email protected] Therese Thomas: [email protected] Postmaster: Send address changes to USAID Labor Management Advisor AFSA, Attn: Address Change Sue Bremner: [email protected] 2101 E Street NW PROFESSIONAL POLICY ISSUES Grievance Counselors Washington DC 20037-2990 Director of Professional Policy Issues Benjamin Phillips: [email protected] Julie Nutter: [email protected] Briana Odom: [email protected]

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8 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Virtual Diplomacy in an Age of Disruption

BY SHAWN DORMAN

s I write in mid-March, it’s Foreign Service Officers Jessica Hua- Parenting,” particularly for moms. been exactly a year since racayo (writing from Madrid) and Alexis After three tours overseas, FSO everything started to shut Ludwig (writing from D.C.) start us off with Kimberly Harmon (writing from down in response to the “Can Diplomacy Be Done Virtually?” From Charleston) came “home” to the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic spread- observation and personal experience, they during the pandemic. In her inspiring Aing worldwide. Since then, our FSJ team illustrate how “building relationships of journey, “My Reintroduction to Amer- has been working from Baltimore, Manito- trust—the coin of the diplomatic realm— ica,” she finds meaning and community woc, Fort Myers, Bogotá and Washington, depends on actual human contact.” by helping others locally. D.C. Our Editorial Board meets on Zoom. Commercial Officer Aileen Nandi FSO Josh Glazeroff (writing from D.C.) We’ve been lucky: Publications work (writing from New Delhi) describes how speaks out about the need for “Resilience lends itself to online collaboration and commercial work has adapted in a difficult Leadership” and offers suggestions. communication. We haven’t (yet) missed a business environment worldwide. FCS In this month’s feature, “Effective magazine deadline or release date. officers are playing an even more valuable Public Diplomacy: Lessons from Tuk- For Foreign Service life and work, role for the small and medium-sized U.S. Tam,” retired FSO Ken Moskowitz (writ- the picture is more complicated and the companies seeking to do business abroad ing from Tokyo) offers insights from his adjustment to new pandemic realities yet less able to travel. work with a Bulgarian nongovernmental more challenging. As always, diplomacy Turning to “In-Person Exchanges, organization. and development work has carried on, Interrupted,” former FSO and University FSO alum and former FSJ Editor in and with vaccinations moving quickly of Montana Mansfield Center Executive Chief Steven Alan Honley did the honors and a new administration at the helm Director Deena Mansour (writing from of writing our Appreciation of “A Truly that values diplomacy, the future begins Missoula) explains that while some new Trustworthy Leader—George P. Shultz: to look brighter. online innovations will be maintained 1920-2020.” We decided it was time to look at post-pandemic, no matter how sophisti- In our special Retirement Supplement, what’s changed during the pandemic, cated the platform or carefully crafted the former head of the Retirement Office at and at the difficulties and the innova- content, electronic engagement cannot State and AFSA Retiree VP John Naland tions that have come with the extreme replace connecting face-to-face. flags “Twelve Retirement Pitfalls to Avoid” disruption it has caused. Then on to the personal. One common, when planning for your post-FS life. We did not coordinate with authors if obvious, theme from the “life” side of the In the Reflection, “The Case of the Bun- for a particular bottom-line conclu- work-life equation is that transferring and gled Blacklist,” retired Foreign Commercial sion from this focus, and yet one did parenting during the pandemic are no Service Officer Kevin Chambers submits a emerge. A distinct thread runs through picnic. FS family member and FSJ Associ- great case study on the value of FCS. the articles: While virtual diplomacy and ate Editor Cameron Woodworth (writing Don’t miss the AFSA officer columns, virtual engagement are possible and can from Bogotá) reports on “Transferring in starting with Ambassador Eric Rubin’s be successful, and a Time of Chaos” based on his own recent President’s Views, “Taking Care of Our have even produced move and discussions with others. Colleagues—and Ourselves.” changes to keep, they FS family member and former FSJ Next month, look for a primer on Arctic are no substitute Associate Editor Donna Scaramastra diplomacy, including an interview with the for being there, in Gorman (writing from Moscow) describes U.S. Arctic coordinator and an op-ed from person. the unique complications of “Pandemic Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Please keep the letters and submissions Shawn Dorman is the editor of The Foreign Service Journal. coming! Write to us at [email protected]. n­

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 9 LETTERS

What about the an easy way to get rid of dead wood, but As far as I know, neither of these Other Agencies? that is perhaps the only advantage. world-class ambassadors took skin I began reading “The Future of the We lose too many good midlevel color into account in their management Foreign Service: A Discussion with Nich- officers who may not be Senior Foreign of our embassies abroad. I also served olas Burns, Marc Grossman and Marcie Service material (or who are, but for with two other outstanding American Ries” in the January-February edition whom there might not be space) but ambassadors, Jeff Davidow, in Venezu- with interest, until I realized that a more who do excellent work ela, and Viron “Pete” Vaky, in Colom- accurate title would have probably been at their level. bia, both of whom just “The Future of State.” More than that, happened to be white Although the phrase “Foreign scoring points on an males, as I am. Service” was used generously through- employee evaluation My point is that out (I counted at least 20 instances), report (EER) carries too skin color has little, if there was not one mention of or allusion much weight if what anything, to do with the to the other five foreign affairs agencies is at stake is the job, performance of our dip- whose staff also make up the Foreign not just the promo- lomats. I think Ambassa- Service. tion. Disagreement is dors Perkins and Todman While presumably some of the rec- stifled, conformity to would agree that experi- ommendations, such as “#2—Revise the the superior’s biases ence and qualifications are Foreign Service Act,” would have a direct rewarded. far more important than impact on us, it seems that we were not In the military, skin color when evaluating considered or included in the thinking youth and physical American diplomats. that went into developing the recom- strength play a huge role, All of us should agree mendations. but not in diplomacy where cool heads with the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., I applaud the efforts of Ambassadors and experience should rule. who said people should “not be judged Burns, Grossman and Ries, and agree I remember reading about the by the color of their skin but by the con- with many of their concerns and obser- “new system” shortly after I joined the tent of their character.” vations. I also feel confident that there Foreign Service in 1980, and thinking Guy W. Farmer are FSOs, like myself, from USAID, FCS, then that it was more a nod to the idea USIA FSO, retired FAS, APHIS and USAGM, who would be that we are “officers” than to forming Carson City, Nevada more than willing to contribute our sug- an excellent Service. Although I “made” gestions and insights to this effort. the SFS cut and retired of my own voli- The Consul Who Saved Going forward, I would ask that we be tion, I still think so. My Family explicitly included in any plan to reform Kiki Skagen Munshi My grandfather and I recently stum- the Foreign Service. FSO, retired bled upon a copy of the entry visa his par- Brandy Witthoft Julian, California ents received at U.S. Consulate Stuttgart USAID FSO in January 1938. It was thrilling to see the Democracy, Human Rights A Color-Blind FS? document that saved their lives. and Governance Center I read with great interest Stacy I decided to see if I could find out any Washington, D.C. Williams’ laudatory article on the late information about the consulate and Ambassador Edward Perkins in the Vice Consul Francis L. Spalding, who had “Up or Out” Should Go January-February Journal. I had the high signed the visa that changed my family’s I appreciated the good discussion in honor of serving as public affairs officer life forever. “Talking Points” in the January-February for Ambassador Perkins in Australia and Though the full story cannot be told in FSJ. But I wonder why in “The Future of serving with another outstanding African a brief note, I hope this letter will give you the Foreign Service” we still think the American ambassador, Terence Todman, a taste of the contributions of the small “up or out” system a good one. Yes, it is in Spain. consulate and a young vice consul.

10 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL There was no little anxiety when my Consulate Stuttgart and Vice Consul citizens, which for Africa means that the great-grandparents, Sauli Goldmeier and Spalding merit recognition for making a programs need to be nearly free. his wife, Mali, journeyed in the winter serious contribution to rescuing Jewish • A tightly controlled student from their home in central Germany families from the Holocaust. applicant selection process will avoid to Stuttgart to seek an entry visa to the Gabriel Faber, Ph.D. candidate endemic fraud and bribery and recruit United States and escape the furnaces of Bar Ilan University, Center for the best and brightest students, albeit Europe as they were beginning to heat. Nanotechnology with remedial needs because of the They must have wondered about the Tel Aviv, Israel poor quality of public schools the official who might issue the desired prize. majority of them attend. Would he be sympathetic or obdurate? How the U.S. Can Compete To make such a U.S. State Depart- They were surely aware of the thou- with China in Africa ment–sponsored effort more cost- sands of legal immigration quota spots In an April 2016 FSJ article, “Develop- effective, I propose constructing one from Germany to the United States that ment Aid to Africa: Time for Plan B?” modest, state-of-the-art classroom/ were going unfilled every year. What they I proposed building universities in lecture/computer lab building on each likely did not know was that this was part African nations. of several campuses of willing African of a deliberate strategy by the Franklin Such an initiative is even more universities, and staffing these centers D. Roosevelt administration to suppress timely today, when the scope of Chi- with two to five American IT and educa- immigration to the U.S. by bureaucratic nese inroads into Africa has begun to tion professionals. means. Fortunately for them, their visa be appreciated. The crux of the Online courses and application landed on the desk of Vice proposal is as follows. programs from U.S. Consul Francis L. Spalding. • U.S. univer- universities would serve Spalding’s exact work in this case is sity centers can as the program’s founda- something I will always wonder about, help Africans build tion, provided they are but his heroics are documented. We their societies with a adapted to Africans, know he worked with the U.S. consulate foundation in freedom who are community- in Luxemburg to supply Jews with the of thinking and free oriented. The small U.S. necessary papers. enterprise. staff would admin- Describing the events of Kristallnacht • The hunger of ister online courses in Stuttgart, for instance, Consul General Africans for U.S. educa- (massive open online Samuel Honaker wrote: “For more than tion and the low quality courses, or MOOCs, five days the office has been inundated of most universities in as well as contracted with people. Each day a larger and larger Africa are additional driv- courses). crowd has besieged the consulate, filling ing forces. Africans know I did this hybrid the rooms and overflowing into the cor- that the U.S. higher educa- type of teaching—a MOOC course ridors of a building six stories high. … The tion system is the best in the world. from the Massachusetts Institute of entire staff has responded most loyally. • University graduates will be the Technology on genetic engineering in … I wish especially to mention … Vice leaders of the African nations—in gov- the development of pharmaceuticals— Consul Spalding.” ernment as well as the private sector. at St. John’s University of Tanzania In fact, of the 18,000 visas issued They will come from the demographic (2011-2016), and it worked well. I worldwide under the German quota in that I propose be targeted: the educa- streamed the lectures to the students in a 1938, 10,000 came from the small Stuttgart tion-hungry, driven visionaries, bril- lecture hall, helped them understand the consulate. Vice Consul Spalding would liant but deficient in academic skills, content, gave them links to transcripts be named an “Honorable Diplomat” in from poor rural settings with dismal and carefully proctored the exams. the files of the Holocaust Museum for public education systems. Staffing would not need to be expen- the number of visas he issued to Jewish • The programs would be modeled on sive: The U.S. has a surfeit of talented applicants. the U.S. system of accessibility for average individuals with doctorates who would

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 11 jump at the chance to spend several years in Africa in a Peace Corps–type situation. One caveat: The model of private U.S. universities, such as those in the Middle East, would be far too expensive for the average African and would simply per- petuate the current “higher-education- for-the-rich” situation there. We Americans developed our educa- tion system based on free and afford- able education. Let’s help Africa do the same. n Don Lotter, Ph.D. Senior lecturer, Department of Biology California State University, Sacramento facebook.com/don.lotter.1

CORRECTION In the March Podcast of the Month, the correct web address for the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy’s podcast Diplomatic Immunity is https://diplomatic immunity.libsyn.com/. We regret the error.

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12 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL LETTERS-PLUS RESPONSES TO MARCH FOCUS “Notes to the New Administration”

Maximize Our Abilities

BY ELIZABETH POWERS

was disappointed to read Secretary define the problem and the end state they Antony Blinken’s message on his first seek, and communicate this message women have been the “only” such in day at the State Department: “Let’s get throughout our ranks. the room, surrounded by white, male to work.” Respectfully, Sir, we’ve been Use this opportunity to set forth in colleagues. Our regional bureaus’ front working our arses off. Your diplomatic simple terms what our most pressing issue offices have been exceptionally male and Icorps worked until the last days of the is and unleash our initiative. Like at home, pale in recent years. The voices of women, Trump administration to implement most nations where we serve are con- people of color and younger generations its policies. We began implementing sumed with COVID-19. We will have only have been excluded from senior positions President Biden’s policies at noon, Jan. a moment once sufficient populations either through intent or neglect. Please 20, 2021. There is no pause button for our are vaccinated to seize the opportunity to ensure that senior ranks, from under work. We work for the United States of lead on the United States’ and earth’s most secretaries down through deputy assistant America. existential issue—climate change. This is secretaries, reflect our greatest American But I was encouraged to see The For- the issue of our lifetime. strength—our diversity. eign Service Journal’s “Notes to the New In the meantime, if you are looking to Recognize us. Whether appointed by Administration” shortly thereafter, and I improve the morale of your diplomatic a Democratic or Republican president, would like to add my thoughts and advice corps: political ambassadors have often been to the mix. Vaccinate us. Our ability to perform counterproductive to our bilateral rela- The past four years were difficult. to our maximum capacity cannot be tions with the host country or disastrous Many of us proudly recalled that the achieved until the pandemic is curbed to post morale. Diplomats are profession- Foreign Service officer’s oath is to the and we are vaccinated—not just back at als, trained in doctrine and experienced in Constitution. When we disagreed with the home, but in the field. Thousands of us are tradecraft. Appointing amateurs degrades previous administration’s policies, we dis- in places with austere medical infrastruc- our professional morale and can under- sented, and those who could not in good ture now entering a second wave of infec- mine policy objectives abroad. Bring us in conscience execute the administration’s tions. Please speed vaccines to the field. line with other Western democracies by policies resigned. Diversify us. Most Foreign Service recommending career diplomats for all Sir, you are inheriting a corps that has officers who are persons of color or ambassadorships. n been tested but is resilient. We are com- mitted to continuing to serve our country and not the persona of a temporally Three Steps to Boost limited executive branch. It is up to you to maximize our abilities. State Technology Give us a clear strategic vision and your intent on how to implement it—and we’ll BY MARIYA ILYAS execute the mission. Our work is most effective when our political leaders clearly h e March FSJ, which con- In 2001, a decade after the birth of the tained recommendations internet, then Secretary of State Colin Elizabeth Powers is an economic officer for the new administra- Powell ordered 44,000 computers and in Lima. The views expressed in this article tion, inspired me to submit demanded the department bring internet are her own and do not necessarily reflect some proposals of my own to desktops. Secretary Powell recognized those of the Department of State or the Tfor needed improvements at the State that for American foreign policy to com- U.S. government. Department. pete—and triumph—in a world swept by

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 13 the technological revolution, his team ment, Consular Affairs, Public Diplo- and pictures, and enhanced team col- needed appropriate tools. macy, and Diplomatic Security all have laboration technologies for international When it comes to technological inno- their own separate IT units. Despite their development work, election monitoring, vation to support modern-day diplo- distinct organizational and leadership disaster reporting, security and budgeting. macy, the State Department consistently structures, however, bureau IT specialists Drone technology, for example, could be lags. In a world where démarches are could collaborate and share information. particularly helpful for the Population, delivered on WhatsApp, cyberattacks are For example, other bureaus can lever- Refugees, and Migration Bureau to moni- common, and mobile technologies are age IRM’s partnerships with Microsoft, tor Syrian refugees on the border, capture essential for on-the-road diplomats, it Google, Facebook and Amazon. aerial images of population density and behooves the department to stay ahead Emphasize greater technological experi- provide real-time analytics. of the technological curve. mentation. IRM has made great strides in Technological preparedness should I recommend the Biden administra- artificial intelligence to speed department not be taken lightly. When the COVID- tion take the following three steps. operations, reduce operational redundan- 19 pandemic struck, the telework envi- Establish a Research & Develop- cies through automation, and provide ronment revealed an underequipped ment Office. The Bureau of Information greater remote capabilities through cloud workforce. The 90-day Reimagine Task Resource Management (IRM) is the networking. The challenge, however, is Force was a step in the right direction to principal entity charged with supply- convincing early adopters to experiment increase adaptivity and workforce resil- ing and maintaining the State Depart- with these technologies. Also, limited bud- ience. The Biden administration has an ment’s technological needs, from secure gets, lack of understanding, and bureau- opportunity to modernize State Depart- networks to department-issued mobile cratic challenges within organizational ment technology. n phones. Dr. Glen Johnson, IRM chief cultures are often the source of hesitation technology officer, noted that the depart- in adopting new technologies. Mariya Ilyas joined the U.S. Foreign Service in ment needs to break away from “the need There is untapped potential for visu- September 2018 and is currently serving her has to arise” mentality. IRM suffers from alization software, mapping with photos first tour in the consular section in Amman. underfunding, and this prevents it from assuming new initiatives or venturing into new technologies. For an “Administrative” Having an office dedicated solely to research and development within IRM Dissent Channel will allow the State Department to experi- ment with cutting-edge technologies. BY BRENDAN M. RIVAGE-SEUL With the establishment of the Cyber- space Security and Emerging Technolo- gies Bureau, there are opportunities for appreciated all the insightful notes to diplomats overseas to convey via front- partnerships to secure cyberspace and the new administration in the March channel cable why certain administrative critical technologies, as well as reduce FSJ, and would like to add one of my policies do not make sense or are not in the likelihood of cyber conflict. own on the subject of constructive the department’s interest (operationally, Consolidate IT under the depart- dissent. financially, culturally or otherwise), and ment’s chief information officer. State IThere is a growing sense among State recommend changes. needs a one-stop-shop bureau for all personnel that the department’s Dissent For those unfamiliar, the Dissent operational IT needs. Indeed, the lack Channel (for policy), established in 1971, Channel is a tool that empowers State of an information-sharing apparatus is was an important, but ultimately incom- and USAID personnel to confidentially a vulnerability. IT experts are scattered plete breakthrough in U.S. foreign policy express “dissenting or alternative views across bureaus, functioning in silos, accountability. Still desperately needed, on substantive issues of policy” (2 FAM focused only on applications on which 50 years later, is a parallel structure for 070). By congressional mandate, depart- they are trained. Global Talent Manage- our professionals in Washington and ment policy dictates that the Office of

14 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Policy Planning (S/P) draft substantive to hear from the rank and file about (often individual) as opposed to depart- front-channel responses to all Dissent what is working and not working within mentwide administrative policies. Channel cables received. The most effec- their organizations—and, importantly, Even if the department’s response to tive dissent cables spark interagency what ideas their subordinates have for most Administrative Dissent Channel reflection at the highest levels and, in improving conditions and operations. cables and proposed solutions is “Sorry, some instances, lead to a shift in policy. An Administrative Dissent Channel no change in policy, and here is why…,” Much like the Dissent Channel for promises to do all those things by giving it would go a long way toward increasing policy, the spirit and objective of a Dis- our personnel a mechanism to share transparency into administrative deci- sent Channel for administrative issues constructive criticisms and propose pos- sions and allowing those of us in the rank would ultimately be about strengthening sible solutions and innovations. and file to feel engaged in the process. our institution. Such a channel would It would also hold the State Depart- Such a structure would encourage empower our personnel to address ment accountable for responding to and our people to speak up thoughtfully and otherwise bureaucratic dead ends and, addressing those concerns and propos- creatively (individually and collectively) in the process, increase department als—something neither the now-defunct about how to improve administrative accountability, transparency and visibil- Sounding Board nor the Director Gen- policies that may be missing the mark ity vis-à-vis a wide range of administra- eral’s Innovation Portal is required to do. or leaving people behind. It would also tive challenges and concerns facing our The DG Direct Channel, meanwhile, is convey that as an institution, we strive people. more geared toward personnel concerns to constantly improve. Announcing the It would also be good for State Department morale and retention, spark innovation, and help identify opportuni- ties for cost-savings and more efficient provision and delivery of services. An “Administrative Dissent Chan- nel” would have the most impact if overseen by the deputy secretary of State for management and resources (D-MR) who, in consultation with the Offices of the Secretary and Under Secretary for Management, would also be responsible for drafting substantive replies to all administrative dissent cables received.

What Could We Expect? What could we expect to happen if the department implemented this proposal? A generation of case studies on organiza- tional effectiveness from business and public policy schools have taught us that some of the best ideas for improving administrative and management policies and practices come from entry- and midlevel professionals on the ground who are directly affected by those policies. They also teach us that the most effective organizational leaders seek

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 15 launch of an Administrative Dissent • The shortcomings of volunteer pro- In the final analysis, it is incumbent Channel in 2021—the 50th anniversary motion panels. on any new Secretary who hopes to suc- of the establishment of the Dissent • The shortsightedness of not conduct- ceed as America’s top diplomat to get to Channel for policy—would be fitting. ing exit interviews or tracking personnel know the department as an institution separation data. and its people. What are their frustra- Some Administrative • The institutional costs of appointing tions and aspirations? Challenges political-donor ambassadors who lack Collective hopes for our new Secre- Specific administrative challenges— qualifications. tary are justifiably high. We all eagerly and ideas for solutions or alternatives— • Integrity gaps in the department’s await an announcement of the steps he one might reasonably expect to see evaluation system. will take to strengthen our institution highlighted for department attention in • The inadequacy of embassy medical and position us for success. The launch administrative dissent cables are famil- facilities and staffing. of an Administrative Dissent Channel iar to many of us. They include, among • Insufficient hardware, software and would be a good place to start. n other things: financial support for teleworking. • Lack of diversity and inclusion in • The flaws of the outdated State train- the Foreign Service. ing model. Brendan Rivage-Seul, an 11-year veteran • Insufficient support for “tandem” • The department’s inability to con- of the U.S. Foreign Service, has served in Foreign Service couples and families sistently staff priority service posts with Mexico, Afghanistan, Pakistan, France and with two working spouses. our best people. the Operations Center in Washington, D.C.

16 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL TALKING POINTS

to do. You are the heart of it. We’re going to rebuild our alliances. We’re going to reengage the world and take on the enormous challenge we face dealing with a pandemic, dealing with global warm- ing, and again, standing up for democracy and human rights around the world. “You’re the face of America abroad. And in our administration, you’re going to be trusted, and you’re going to be empowered—to do your job. “But I ask each of you to abide by a few core tenets: Integrity in all you do. Transparency and accountability to rebuild trust in America and around the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE OF DEPARTMENT U.S. world. Working in the service of American President Joe Biden delivers remarks to State Department employees on Feb. 4 at the Truman building in Washington, D.C. people, not self-interest. And promoting diversity, equity, inclusion—accessibility across the board—because our diplomats, President Biden to FS: the screen behind me: You’re among the at all levels, should reflect the full diver- I Trust You brightest, most involved, best educated sity of this great country. n Feb. 4, just two weeks after taking group of people America has to offer. I “I also know that you’ve never let Ooffice, President Joe Biden and Vice come today to talk to everyone at Main us down. I believe in you. We need you President Kamala Harris visited the State State watching remotely and those who badly. I trust you. And I’m going to have Department, welcomed by Secretary of will not be able to see this but will hear your back—that I promise you—just like State Antony Blinken. about it. … you’re going to have the backs of the In a speech broadcast to embassies “I’ve been with some of you when American people. and consulates around the world, Presi- we’ve been shot at. I’ve been with some “When I was chairman of the Senate dent Biden lauded Foreign Service and of you when we’ve been in places that Foreign Relations Committee, I’d make Civil Service employees and told them, you would have any idea you’d want to be sure that my committee staff came to my “I’m going to have your back.” It was a when you were going to school of foreign home state and worked on constituent significant shift in tone from the past four policy and foreign service. They never told services, which many of them thought years, during which the Foreign Service you that was going to happen. But you’re was sort of beneath them: ‘I’m a foreign sometimes felt under attack by the previ- an incredible group of individuals. policy specialist.’ But it’s all about who ous administration. “We don’t thank your families you work for—who I work for, who we Following is an abridged version of the [enough] for the sacrifices they make. work for. Foreign policy is about pro- president’s remarks: Your spouses, they give up their careers to moting the interests of the people of the “Thank you for welcoming the vice follow you. Many times, their careers are United States. president and me back to the State as consequential or more consequential “Now, I’ve got a lot of work to do and Department. It’s true, the Secretary and I than yours; but they do it for the country. a lot of catching up to do, a lot of rebuild- have worked together a long time. And I And they’re to be thanked. ing to do. And I can’t think of any group know that he has the background and the “But the main message that I want of people better capable of doing it, more capacity needed to lead the State Depart- to communicate to you all is that you’re ready, than all of you. ment at a critical moment. vital, and the success and strength of our “So, thank you all very much, and may “Those of you who work here, includ- nation depends in no small part on you. God bless you, and may God keep you all ing the new class of diplomats that are on “You are the center of all that I intend safe when you’re abroad.”

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 17 his climate envoy, and on Feb. 19 the U.S. Contemporary Quote officially rejoined the Paris Agreement. On Feb. 22, Secretary Blinken said the So here’s our plan. First, we will stop COVID-19 and strengthen global United States will try to strengthen the health security. Second, we will turn around the economic crisis and build agreement between world powers and a more stable, inclusive global economy. Third, we will renew democracy, Iran aimed at curbing its nuclear pro- because it’s under threat. Fourth, we will work to create a humane and effec- gram, CNBC reported. Blinken said that if tive immigration system. Fifth, we will revitalize our ties with our allies and partners. Sixth, we will tackle the climate crisis and drive a green energy Iran comes back into “strict compliance” revolution. Seventh, we will secure our leadership in technology. And eighth, with the 2015 pact, the Biden admin- we will manage the biggest geopolitical test of the 21st century: our istration will do the same. The Trump relationship with China. administration had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal in 2018. —Secretary of State Antony Blinken during his March 3 speech, “The United States remains commit- “A Foreign Policy for the American People.” ted to ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon,” Blinken told the U.N.- Biden, Blinken Signal including arms sales. On Feb. 5, State sponsored Conference on Disarmament Foreign Policy Changes announced that Secretary Blinken was in Geneva. “Diplomacy is the best path to resident Joe Biden and Secretary of lifting the foreign terrorist designation for- achieve that goal.” PState Antony Blinken have signaled mer Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had sweeping foreign policy changes. placed on Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi State Adds Chief “The message I want the world to hear rebels. Blinken appointed FSO Tim Lend- Diversity Officer today: America is back. America is back. erking as special envoy for Yemen. he State Department will create a Diplomacy is back at the center of our In a Feb. 16 interview on NPR, Blinken Tnew chief diversity and inclusion foreign policy,” Biden said during Feb. 4 explained: “We are now doubling down on (D&I) officer position, Secretary of State remarks at the State Department. diplomacy to try to end that horrific war in Antony Blinken announced in a state- The president said that America’s Yemen that’s helped produce what is the ment on Feb. 24. This officer—not named leadership must meet the challenges worst humanitarian crisis in the world.” in the statement—will report directly to of “advancing authoritarianism” in the On Jan. 26, the Biden administration the Secretary. world, “including the growing ambitions announced it would restore U.S. relations “Our goal is to incorporate diversity of China to rival the United States and the with the Palestinians, which had been and inclusion into the department’s work determination of Russia to damage and cut off during the Trump administration. at every level,” Blinken said. He directed disrupt our democracy.” Richard Mills, then acting U.S. ambas- all State Department bureaus to designate In hot spots around the globe, the sador to the United Nations, reaffirmed an existing deputy assistant secretary to new administration is pointing to new U.S. support for the two-state solution support that bureau’s diversity and inclu- approaches and moving away from some between Israelis and Palestinians. sion efforts, and to serve on a new D&I Trump administration policies. Mills added that the United States Leadership Council bringing senior lead- In his speech at the State Depart- would renew economic and humanitar- ers together to push for the goals outlined ment, President Biden announced that ian aid to the Palestinians and reopen in a new, updated Diversity and Inclusion the United States and Russia have agreed diplomatic missions shut down by the Strategic Plan that will be released soon. to extend the New START arms treaty for Trump administration, such as the Pal- “Diversity and inclusion make us five years, “preserving the only remaining estine Liberation Office in Washington, stronger, smarter, more creative, and treaty between our countries safeguard- D.C., and the consulate general in Jerusa- more innovative,” Blinken said. “And our ing nuclear stability.” lem, which dealt with Palestinian affairs. diversity gives us a significant competi- Biden declared that the United Signaling renewed attention to climate tive advantage on the world stage. This States was ending support for Saudi-led change issues, President Biden named is something that the president, the vice offensive operations in the war in Yemen, former Secretary of State John Kerry as president and I firmly believe.”

18 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Congressional Report Highlights Diversity Issues he workforce at U.S. foreign policy Tagencies “is less racially and ethni- cally diverse than the U.S. population as a whole,” especially at senior pay grades, according to a Jan. 21 report by the Con- gressional Research Service. The 41-page report, “Faces and Voices of the United States Abroad: Diversity at U.S. Foreign Affairs Agencies,” finds that the Civil Service workforce at State and USAID have more racial and minor- ity employees proportionately than the American workforce as a whole; but the U.S. Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kritenbrink performs in a rap song recorded to celebrate Vietnam’s Lunar New Year. Foreign Service at these agencies has fewer racial and ethnic minorities, as well as women, compared to the general Ambassador Dan’s Rap First shared on Embassy Hanoi’s workforce. Moreover, the portion of Video Goes Viral Facebook page, the video went viral. women and racial and ethnic minorities ime for introductions are at hand. By late February it had been viewed declines at the higher levels. “THi, my name is Dan. I’m from more than 60,000 times on Facebook, Among the foreign affairs agencies, the Nebraska. I’m not a big city boy. Then generating thousands of comments and U.S. Agency for Global Media is the most three years ago, I moved to Hanoi.” re-shares. racially and ethnically diverse, CRS found. So begins a rap song by career FSO Some of the comments on YouTube Ambassador to Vietnam Daniel Kriten- (where it was also shared) below remind us Vaccines Slow in brink released on Feb. 8. The ambassador that it’s nice to see something positive and Getting Out to Posts recorded the music video to send best fun for a change, although no one recom- n late 2020 the Foreign Service com- wishes for the Lunar New Year—or as it is mended Ambassador Dan give up his day Imunity expected that vaccines would known in Vietnam, Tet—the most impor- job. be distributed quickly to overseas posts. tant celebration of the year. • Who cares if it’s kinda cringey. He In December, however, the State Depart- Produced by a Ho Chi Minh City clearly loves Vietnam and is just trying to ment received only about 5 percent of its media company, Vietcetera, the video have some fun. Seems like a genuinely requested allocation. And as of mid-Feb- starts with Kritenbrink expressing interest nice guy and a fantastic ambassador. ruary, the agency had received only 23 in competing in “Rap Viet,” a Vietnamese • This is the most ... BEAUTIFUL percent of the 315,000 doses it requested TV talent show. He works with Vietnam- THING I’VE EVER SEEN. to vaccinate its entire workforce, includ- ese rapper Wowy to create a song and rap. • Breaking down barriers through ing family members, NBC News reported. He raps about Tet traditions such as respect and appreciation ... I love it! A cable from the U.S. ambassador to buying cherry blossoms and cleaning the • No ... no. Nope, nooo, No. … Kosovo was leaked and then cited on Feb. house, concluding with some lines about • Okay wait I love this. 15 by NBC News. It gave “a snapshot into improving the U.S.-Vietnam relationship: Media in Vietnam, the U.S. and else- the mounting mental health crisis faced “From my shores to your shores, our where picked up the rap story, and the by U.S. diplomats” waiting to receive the friendship endures. U.S. and Vietnam, video has been shown on NBC News and vaccine after 11 months of sheltering from now to forever, we’re trusted part- CNN. Stories have run on PRI’s The World, during the pandemic in one of Europe’s ners prospering together.” in The Washington Post and elsewhere. poorest countries.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 19 On social media, members of the a top priority for the department, and we neurological symptoms suffered by U.S. Foreign Service community have been are committed to providing our work- diplomats in Cuba in late 2016 and 2017. discussing the challenges of waiting for force timely, accurate information about Posted Feb. 10 by the National Security vaccines, especially at hardship posts, vaccine distribution,” Acting Under Sec- Archive, the report says the department’s and the isolation they feel in dealing with retary for Management Carol Perez told response “was characterized by a lack of local quarantines and travel restrictions. The Washington Post. “This is a very fluid senior leadership, ineffective communi- At least 13 foreign governments have situation, and we understand employees cations, and systemic disorganization.” offered to vaccinate U.S. diplomats with are eager for information.” As of May 2018, two dozen Embassy their own allotment of Pfizer or Moderna In January, Secretary of State Antony Havana community members had been vaccines, The Washington Post reported Blinken told staff that five American “medically confirmed to have sustained on Feb. 17. The State Department has diplomats and 42 locally employed staff brain injuries” while serving in Cuba, accepted these proposals, the Post said, serving overseas had died from COVID- with some injuries so severe that those with offers from at least eight more pend- 19 to date. afflicted might never be able to return to ing. work, the report says. Some diplomats Some U.S. diplomats in Russia have ARB: State’s Response have also been affected by similar myste- asked Moscow for doses of its Sputnik to “Havana Syndrome” rious illnesses in China. V vaccine, according to the Post, which Illnesses Faulted “To this day, no senior official at the added that State does not recommend recently declassified State Depart- State Department has been assigned that vaccine but is allowing employees to Ament Accountability Review responsibility for leading and coordinat- make their own decisions. Board report from June 2018 says the ing efforts to assess past incidents and “The health and safety of our people is department mishandled the mysterious prevent/mitigate future events,” the report states. According to the report, State commis- Podcast of the Month: Moments in History: Association for Diplomatic sioned the Centers for Disease Control Studies & Training https://adst.org/moments and Prevention to launch an investigation into the Cuba illnesses at the end of 2017, but blocked sharing of medical data the he Association for CDC needed for the study to go forward Diplomatic Studies T for nearly a year. & Training is known for its The State Department announced it collection of more than 2,500 was appointing an adviser to manage oral histories from U.S. dip- future incidents, CNBC reported on Feb. lomats. ADST’s special web 11. Meanwhile, the National Academy series, based on excerpts from of Sciences, in a report released on Dec. the oral histories, of more than 800 “Moments in U.S. 5, determined that directed microwave Diplomatic History” captures historical events as well as humorous aspects of radiation is the likely cause of illness diplomatic life, as seen through the eyes of those who were there. among diplomats in Cuba and China. The Moments include such topics as “Trust in Diplomacy: Secretary of State report had been commissioned by the George Shultz,” “The Consequences of Serendipity: From Peace Corps to State Department. USAID,” “Life as a New Foreign Service Spouse” and “The State Department “The health effects from these mys- Under the Red Scare: McCarthy’s Campaign.” terious injuries have tormented those Topics feature short write-ups, as well as links to the related oral histories afflicted. Their illnesses and suffering are and other educational resources. real and demand a response from Con- ADST’s mission is to capture, preserve and share the experiences of the gress,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), country’s diplomats with the American public. a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

20 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL The Iran Hostages Special Visas for Congressional Allied Interpreters Gold Medal Act resident Joe Biden issued an execu- wo members of Congress have Ptive order on Feb. 4 for a review of the Tintroduced bipartisan legislation to U.S. Special Immigration Visa program for award the Congressional Gold Medal to Iraqi and Afghan allies who have helped U.S. Embassy Tehran workers who were the U.S. military. taken hostage by Iran in 1979. Under the Nearly 120,000 foreign translators who legislation, introduced on Feb. 18, a silver assisted U.S. forces, mostly from in or duplicate of the medal would be awarded around Iraq, have applied for special visas to the 52 people taken hostage, or their to settle in the United States, according

next of kin. U.S. AIR FORCE MEDICAL SERVICES HISTORY OFFICE to the Military Times. In Afghanistan, Fox The bill is sponsored by Rep. Tom Newly freed American hostages arrive by News reports, 17,000 interpreters who bus at the U.S. Air Force Hospital in Wies- Suozzi (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Don Bacon have helped the U.S. military are awaiting baden, Germany, in January 1981. (R-Neb.). This year marked the 40th anni- a decision on an SIV application. versary of the release of the hostages who “America will always stand for free- “The executive order will review had been held for 444 days. dom, individual liberty and basic human practices to ensure the U.S. is honoring its “The bravery and sacrifice made by rights,” said Rep. Bacon. “For 444 days, commitment to helpful allies in war-torn U.S. embassy workers who were held these Americans had to endure unbear- countries, to expand the program and against their will must be honored,” said able physical and psychological torture enhance access for those vulnerable to Rep. Suozzi. “We can never forget their by Iranian militants that do not share the persecution, including women, children sacrifice and their never-ending will to same values as our great nation. In the and those who could be discriminated uphold the values our country holds so face of evil, they stood tall, and we must against for gender or sexual orientation,” dear.” honor their courage and sacrifice.” according to a White House press release.

Honoring George P. Shultz • Acknowledges Shultz’s published concern for HEARD ON THE HILL Statesmanship and service above self con- and strengthening American diplomacy and its sistently characterized the remarkable life home institution, the Department of State by of George P. Shultz. Throughout his distin- creating a School of Diplomacy at the National guished career, Secretary Shultz champi- Foreign Affairs Training Center; oned American diplomacy and strengthened • Commends to future generations Shultz’s its home institution—the Department of example as a patriot and public servant both State—all in pursuit of a more peaceful, pros- in war and in the pursuit of a more peaceful, perous, and cooperative world order. Secre- prosperous, and cooperative world order; tary Shultz’s example as a patriot and public • Extends its deepest condolences and sympathy servant will undoubtedly serve to inspire and JOSH to the family of the Honorable George Pratt guide future generation of American leaders. Shultz; and We mourn the loss of Secretary Shultz and extend • Respectfully requests that the Secretary of the Senate our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution to the family Resolved, That the Senate— of the Honorable George Pratt Shultz. • Honors the life, achievements, and legacy of the —U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Dan Sullivan Honorable George Pratt Shultz; (R-Alaska), co-chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, • Celebrates the statesmanship that consistently introducing a resolution honoring the life, achievements and characterized Shultz’s life; legacy of the late George P. Shultz on Feb. 10.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 21 50 Years Ago ity group dedicated to helping resettle the interpreters, said at least 300 translators Education in Diplomacy and family members have been killed iplomacy is the advocacy of interests and the because they helped the United States, Dprocess, often highly political, which aims at the and that it expects 4,000 new SIV families elimination, reduction or postponement of interna- to settle in the United States this year. tional conflicts of interests. It involves the protec- tion and promotion of special interests, influencing Resetting CSET the decisions of foreign nationals, and reconciling bipartisan congressional group, opposing interests through agreement or modus Aheaded by House Foreign Affairs vivendi. Diplomacy deals in its essence with the realities Committee Chairman Gregory W. Meeks of international conflicts of interest and aims at their minimization. (D-N.Y.) and the committee’s top Repub- Just as perfect security is not possible, neither is perfect diplomacy pos- lican, Rep. Michael McFaul (R-Texas), has sible. The risk of failure is high; successes are almost always hard won. It is introduced the Cyber Diplomacy Act of essential that both the diplomat and his boss know that batting averages are 2021, which would establish an interna- notably low, home runs infrequent and sacrifice hits often required. This does tional cyberspace policy bureau in the not mean that the diplomat should be excused from calculating and controlling State Department. the risks of failure; on the contrary, that is one of his foremost responsibilities. The Trump administration had noti- It means that the objectives of diplomacy should be cast in terms of “obtaining fied Congress of its intent to establish a the best results that can be obtained under the circumstances,” rather than in new Bureau of Cyberspace Security and terms of absolutes or of bringing home the coonskins. Emerging Technologies in 2019, but the The adverse conditions in which diplomacy is normally conducted need to effort stalled in the face of disagreements be emphasized and appreciated. Normally they are conditions of great uncer- over the scope of the new entity. Days tainty, of lack of time and of incomplete information. The diplomat deals with before leaving office former Secretary “events which are not reiterative.” Each situation is unique and carries with it of State Mike Pompeo signed off on its unpredictable consequences. creation. Diplomacy depends for success on the possession of skills which are the Secretary of State Antony Blinken surface manifestation of deep accomplishments. Skills normally thought to supports the creation of the CSET Bureau, be illustrative of the diplomatic craft (for example, force and clarity of verbal according to a State Department spokes- and written expression, tact and timing of argumentation and representation, person, but “will take a close look at where persuasiveness and ability to win confidence) are not really skills but rather the this bureau should be placed within the cutting edges of accomplishments acquired through education and cultivated department and what its mission and and confirmed through experience. scope of responsibility will be.” At press —Peter Krogh, former dean of the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown time, the department had not commented University, excerpted from an article with the same title in the April 1971 FSJ. on the congressional initiative. Meanwhile, on Jan. 28, the Govern- ment Accountability Office released a The average wait time for an SIV visa Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), a former combat report critical of the new bureau, “Cyber is about three years. In December more veteran who supports the order, told Fox Diplomacy: State Should Use Data and than 1,000 Iraqi and Afghan interpreters News. “I am, as are many conservatives, Evidence to Justify Its Proposal for a petitioned Biden to make the process in favor of merit-based immigration, and New Bureau of Cyberspace Security and easier, according to Fox News. I can’t think of anyone more meritorious Emerging Technologies.” n “It just sends such an important signal than those who have stood and fought [that] if you stand with us and you stand with us rather than random lottery This edition of Talking Points was against extremism, we’ll be there for you. systems.” compiled by Cameron Woodworth, We will honor that commitment,” Rep. No One Left Behind, a nonprofit char- Steve Honley and Shawn Dorman.

22 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL SPEAKING OUT

Resilience Leadership

BY JOSH GLAZEROFF

he year 2020 was one awful Talking about resilience with the other thing after another; 2021 is, well, it’s hard to say yet—more of the members of your team can be a force Tsame? Getting better? 2022 is still multiplier for the entire organization. too far away to be certain. What does that mean for us and our teams? When it comes to resilience—defined all signs that you or your staff members resilience and make us stronger as an by retired FSO and resilience expert Beth are not resilient. When we take care of organization going forward. For each, Payne as “the capacity to adapt success- ourselves and set boundaries on what I am thinking of what practical actions fully in the presence of risk and adversity we are going to take on at work, we are I can take as a leader to improve. and to bounce back, or forward, from more adaptable and collaborate more Do you work in an office where setbacks, trauma and high stress”—doing effectively. When we have a strong social everyone is comfortable sharing their more now for ourselves and our team- network, focus on the positive, and experiences and stories? Do you have mates will help us far into the future. reflect on meaning and purpose in life shared values, identity, history and Many of you are familiar with the and at work, we are better employees. purpose? Culture in an organization is a State Department’s Center of Excellence Taking the time to assess our stand- foundation for resilience. Those who feel in Foreign Affairs Resilience (known ing in these areas and address our weak grounded in their teams are more will- by its acronym, CEFAR), a tremendous points will pay off this year and in the ing to share what is happening for them, resource for all personnel that is based years to come. Talking about resilience address difficult situations and find at the Foreign Service Institute. Some of with the other members of your team solutions to problems, both personal you are already practitioners and pro- can be a force multiplier for the entire and professional. ponents of meditation, jigsaw puzzles organization. Beyond the actual human How do you get people to share in the office, walks and virtual coffees. understanding of those with whom you more? One idea is to hold small gather- These tools are not new, but focusing a work, you will end up with a more effec- ings with some frequency. Whether it is discussion of resilience on our roles as tive team. A resilient team is one that an informal coffee or a book club, you leaders is. Why should leaders focus on is creative, adaptive and ready for all of can give your team a chance to interact resilience? Why should you care about our multitudinous challenges. Such a and build a basis for future discussion. resilience? team is more likely to be successful and A particular annual party or a well- Are you or your teammates deal- meet those goals you set for it. known weekly event make the calen- ing poorly with stress and anxiety? Are dar a culture-builder. In our office we you or your teammates having mood The 7 Cs celebrate one of the lesser holidays each swings often? Out sick a lot? These are So what can we do about it? What year by having a team member dress in should we aim for? Borrowing an an animal costume and serve a pancake Josh Glazeroff is currently approach from Beth Payne, I will frame breakfast (yes, it’s true!). What is your serving as deputy executive the discussion in terms of the “7 Cs of team’s culture like? director in the Bureau of Team Resilience”—culture, communica- I freely admit that communication Consular Affairs. His previ- tion, competence, connections, commit- is not my strength. However, there is ous assignments include ment, coordination and consideration. no way to get around it. If you want Santo Domingo, Durban, New Delhi and For each of these, the challenge team members to be well informed; if Islamabad. is to take immediate steps that build you want them to share their views and

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 23 Figure out how to do those holiday parties. Make one more call to someone you haven’t seen. Find out how everyone’s family members are doing.

engage in dialogue; if you want them group. That team fosters participation to question old ways of doing business, in governmentwide programs, State then communication is essential. We Department exchanges and detail need to vary our methods and make the opportunities, and also hosts periodic effort. webinars on topics including “executive In the days of 100 percent virtual readiness”—all with an eye to building work, that takes even more dedication. skills for the future. Online coffees aren’t great, but they There is no doubt: We are in the busi- can mean a lot. Figure out how to do ness of making connections. I remind those holiday parties. Make one more myself of that as often as I can, espe- call to someone you haven’t seen. Find cially when it comes to my own team. out how everyone’s family members Again, it is important to make time for are doing. In our office this past year, those virtual coffees now and get to we have had a series of teleconferences know everyone, particularly those who discussing different elements of diver- have joined since the pandemic and you sity and leadership. Discussions were haven’t met in person. personal at times, but everyone had Check in on Microsoft Teams with an opportunity to share. As you’ll see people after a weekend. Share fun pet below, we really must connect to keep photos; take an extra moment to tell a our teams resilient. story with a colleague and figure out How highly do you rate your team’s now what you have in common. At competence? Do team members have the beginning of the COVID-induced the capacity and skills they need to meet shift to maximum telework, our office demands, particularly during times of shared favorite recipes, sent lighthearted crisis and high stress? Think now about memes and celebrated future dream how to build these skills. Training is vacations we could all connect with. essential; taking the time for it is a dif- The members of an office with true ficult choice, but one that pays off over commitment to each other and to a the longer term. Beth Payne reminds us shared mission will keep their promises to take time to “sharpen the saw.” If we and protect teammates from harm, even don’t do that, we will hamper productiv- when it is hard to do so. One of those ity in the longer term. areas we often associate with success- Identify what skills your team mem- ful sports teams; this is no less relevant bers lack. If they are teleworking—and, to our work teams. There are myriad thus, saving commuting hours—it may ways to support one another with time, be the perfect time for them to work on money or effort. Respect and loyalty those areas. I am fortunate to oversee should be there for all. Team members my bureau’s learning and development look out for each other, “have their

24 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL backs,” and, if needed, step in to take on Speaking Out is the Journal’s opinion their tasks. forum, a place for lively discussion of Commitment also extends to the issues affecting the U.S. Foreign Service organization’s mission. Think about and American diplomacy. The views expressed are those of the author; their identifying an area your team can com- publication here does not imply endorse- mit to, and then reinforce its importance ment by the American Foreign Service often. In the Consular Affairs Bureau, Association. Responses are welcome; send them to [email protected]. we talk often about our global impact. We are truly changing Americans’ lives, with an especially huge role in bringing 100,000 fellow citizens home during the and sharing those problems that affect worst of the COVID-19 outbreak. We their lives. also emphasize taking care of everyone on our team, particularly if they are fac- Leadership Goals ing a difficult personal situation. What should be our overall goal Are your team’s goals coordinated? for resilience leadership? Can you see This is one area my team knows I love yourself with a resilient team? I can, but to focus on. By writing good goals with getting there post-COVID is a lot harder measurable indicators, I find it easier to than it was in years past. It is going to know if we are successful and to tie each take time and effort to build capacity in day’s efforts to longer-term objectives. my group and to meet all the elements To maximize coordination, we gener- of the “7 Cs.” ate a poster with the goals for our office I have planned some virtual discus- each year and share it widely. There are sions, and I aim to see all of those who lots of resources in this area, and goals may be in the office in person when I are part of all bureaus’ strategic plan- am there. I try to ask about family and ning. Do you communicate (see above) health and well-being before jumping the importance of these goals enough? right into work topics, and I often just In enough ways? Something to consider say “thank you.” for the 12 months ahead. I would like the 100 people in my Last on the list, but by no means office to feel comfortable dealing with least, is our consideration of team challenges and to work as effectively members and how we support their together as possible. Do I wish the personal needs, as well as professional same for the department as a whole? Of goals. This has been the hardest for the course I do, but it depends on each one State Department in recent months; our of us to make this a reality. personnel simply have not been sup- Think about the steps you can take. ported by leadership. Do some reading on this topic. Make a Now is the time to regain trust and connection with someone who is also return the focus to the strengths of our working to improve resilience. Reach career staff. You, too, play a role in that out to CEFAR for the latest materials. Be every day. Although sorely tempted to a leader in resilience for your team and jump right into work matters, I try to for the rest of the organization. begin every call with a colleague with a By investing now in our human real question about their non-work life. resources, we will see results for years I want them to feel safe talking to me ahead. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 25 FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

CAN DIPLOMACY BE DONE VIRTUALLY?

Two Foreign Service officers explore the question through the lens of personal experience. Their answer: in some ways yes, but mostly no. BY JESSICA HUARACAYO AND ALEXIS LUDWIG

f you reacted like most of us, the news early last year the federal government and most missions abroad, had gone of a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, sounded to mandatory telework for the majority of employees. By the a bit like another SARS or bird flu event at first—a time you read this, many colleagues will have reached the problem far away that would probably be successfully one-year mark of partial or continuous telework, and there’s contained or else fizzle out before threatening us all no clear end in sight. Given that there has not been a wholesale in earnest. Then came Italy, Spain, Iran, the cruise collapse of diplomacy, some are entertaining the idea that ship crisis, the Seattle nursing home and all the rest. perhaps this is the new normal, that we don’t need to send dip- Whether COVID-19 was more gray swan than black, lomats and their families all over the world, that we don’t need Ian event that public health experts knew could come and that to maintain diplomatic facilities in almost every country—that we should have been better prepared to confront when it did, diplomacy can and should be done online. we soon found ourselves enmeshed in a new and unexpected In the following, we take a hard look at that proposition reality: obliged to observe social distancing; unable to go to the through the lens of our own experience. Although some diplo- office or almost anywhere else; required to work from home. matic work can certainly be conducted virtually, we find that By late March 2020, the State Department, like the rest of the core elements of diplomacy absolutely require in-person engagement, and that whatever our current technological Jessie Huaracayo is deputy political counselor in capabilities or future advances, we’ll never really be able to rely Madrid. A political officer, she joined the Foreign on long-distance or virtual diplomacy. Building relationships Service in 2003 and has served in Copenhagen, of trust—the coin of the diplomatic realm—depends on actual Tijuana, Lima, Havana and Washington, D.C. human contact. Alexis Ludwig is currently on the faculty of the National War College. From 2018 to 2020 he Getting Things Done served as deputy permanent representative at Are we able to get our diplomatic work done in the midst of the U.S. Mission to the Organization of American a pandemic that has radically altered the conduct of daily life? States. He joined the Foreign Service in 1994 and At an initial level of analysis, the answer must be: “Yes, we are.” has spent most of his career in overseas missions Following the move to virtual work, internal bureau and office in the Western Hemisphere and East Asia. meetings in the State Department were conducted on the The views in this article are the authors’ and do not necessarily Cisco Webex or the Microsoft Teams platforms. The transition represent those of the Department of State or U.S. government. was not quite seamless, but almost. Those colleagues who had

26 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL CAN DIPLOMACY BE DONE VIRTUALLY? CONNIE MCLENNAN. CONNIE

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 27 to go into the office in person to access the classified systems, the same point. Because he arrived with his family in Wash- attend a meeting or for whatever other essential reason, have ington just before the pandemic broke, he has had a hard time mostly done so on a case-by-case basis, as needed. A scattered simply getting off the blocks. Ten months later, frustrated by few have come to the office by choice, finding it easier to focus having to be at home, unable to pound the pavement to build on their work in a physical space and location that does not his personal and professional network, mostly doing meetings double as home. by Zoom, he acknowledges: “I know ‘so and so’ at that agency, Broadly speaking, our internal work has continued apace, embassy or institution, but not much more. I may have some though with the added and now familiar challenges of manag- contacts, but I have no real relationships and certainly no new ing from afar, juggling telework with unexpected parenting tasks friendships.” and maintaining team cohesion. Certain advantages of working Breaking through an impasse or bringing an issue to closure virtually, like the time saved by no longer having to commute to is equally difficult to do from a distance. At the OAS, the previ- and from Washington, D.C., or the embassy or consulate every ously scheduled March 20, 2020, Special General Assembly to day, are hard to deny. Without a doubt, effective new technol- elect the next secretary general is a case in point. There was ogy platforms that enable virtual meetings and engagements no pre-certified mechanism to conduct such a formal vote have helped keep our diplomatic activities going, preventing the by virtual means, so we knew it needed to be done in person kind of collapse into paralysis that might have occurred had we before it was too late. To preempt a move by several member confronted a similar challenge even a decade ago. states to use the pandemic as a pretext to paralyze the OAS by Our outward-facing work has continued, too, at least those blocking the vote, the United States worked with key partners aspects that were already well established with a defined to push through the pockets of resistance to carry out this one structure and schedule. At the U.S. Mission to the Organization final “in-person” meeting in accordance with health and safety of American States, we used WhatsApp, Zoom and Webex for standards then in place. most informal coordination with other member-state missions Importantly, that “in-person” General Assembly ensured and OAS entities, and found we were able to get a lot done in the organization’s ability to continue its work by virtual means that way. Even Kudo, the somewhat unwieldy virtual plat- ever since. Indeed, it helped kick off a series of intensive coor- form that the OAS itself used for official engagements requir- dination meetings, all conducted virtually, that ultimately led ing simultaneous interpretation in more than one language, to a consensus agreement to hold official OAS meetings and seemed to work well after the early kinks were ironed out. even the next annual General Assembly in a virtual setting. Not Importantly, however, most of us had interacted together coincidentally, most of these meetings focused on the priority in countless in-person discussions and meetings prior to the importance of forging a regionwide response to the pandemic. onset of the pandemic, and so we knew one another well. In the absence of that decisive in-person assembly, however, Because we had that built-in familiarity and trust, the transi- the organization and its member states might well have lan- tion to virtual coordination took place relatively smoothly and, guished in pandemic paralysis for a good while. in fact, with almost surprising ease. Challenges and Adjustments Overseas Getting Off the Ground … and Across the Finish Line Overseas challenges have differed significantly according to That fact turns out to be one of the rubs of virtual diplo- position and role. Consular officers’ visa adjudications and rou- macy: Drawing from previously established personal networks tine U.S. citizen services requiring in-person engagement largely is much easier than trying to start from scratch. One foreign halted. This activity was supplanted, during those dramatic diplomat in Washington says he feels lucky to have arrived early weeks, by the extraordinary emergency effort to repatriate more than a year before the pandemic started because he was tens of thousands of U.S. citizens and issue emergency visas to able to use the network of personal contacts and relationships travelers with humanitarian needs or to those assisting the U.S. he had built up before the curtain fell on in-person diplomacy; fight against COVID-19. Management officers and specialists as a result, he says, he has taken the crisis in stride and gotten acquired new expertise in local labor laws, supply chain logistics some good work done. and COVID-19 testing protocols. Another D.C.-based diplomat (an equally engaging and Office managers and IT professionals masterfully shepherded personable chap, we must add) has a different story that makes the transition to new online platforms for entire sections. Public

28 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL diplomacy officers moved almost exclusively online, sparking they can play a valuable supporting role. But no technology remarkable innovation but losing the irreplaceable power and platform or other mere mediating mechanism is a substitute for impact of in-person exchange programs, classroom engage- actual physical presence for in-person, face-to-face, human-to- ments and public events. Regional security officers identi- human engagement. Critically, getting things, first, off the ground fied risks specific to posts under lockdown, established new and, second, across the finish line are impossible in the absence protocols and found innovative ways to compensate for crisis of in-person engagement. To paraphrase Edward R. Murrow, only management exercises with host-nation counterparts canceled actual human beings can bridge those “final three feet.” due to the pandemic. But no matter what our cone, functional Examples illustrating the benefits of in-person contact specialization or agency, COVID-19 and virtual work pose the abound. The same D.C.-based foreign diplomat who said things same challenge to that most basic diplomatic task: maintaining were going fine for him virtually, for example, acknowledges that and deepening relationships with trusted contacts. his government would never have been invited to participate in Our Foreign Service colleagues abroad are generally in the an important weekly phone call with other key countries had he same boat as foreign diplomats in Washington, D.C. Those of not been there in person at a pre-pandemic meeting and hit it off us who were already in place when the pandemic hit have had with the American organizer. an easier adjustment, transitioning from in-person coffees For a U.S. political or economic officer abroad, the humble and lunches with established contacts to informal WhatsApp démarche—at once the most routine and potentially consequen- exchanges or phone calls. Depending on the country, we have tial of our activities—offers a case in point. In Spain, COVID- been able to resume one-on-one coffee meetings, outdoors and 19 restrictions were so severe that for months we delivered with appropriate precautions. Even so, some colleagues find that démarches exclusively by phone or email. The Spanish ministry communicating in a second language through a mask can be of foreign affairs’ response was invariably a noncommittal: frustrating—reading the expressions of covered faces is next to “Thank you, duly noted.” On the rare occasions when our instruc- impossible, it turns out—and prefer to meet with contacts over tions mandated in-person delivery, our counterparts obliged. videoconference, despite the stilted feeling of such meetings and We relished the opportunity to meet in person, be masked and the onset of Zoom fatigue. socially distanced, to catch up, exchange insights, and reconnect At the same time, those colleagues who arrived overseas dur- as fellow humans experiencing this odd new reality together. ing the pandemic are at an immense disadvantage for building It was during those in-person conversations that we received the critical relationships that inform all good diplomacy. For information of real diplomatic value. Only in face-to-face (or them, the already steep learning curve for newly arrived person- mask-to-mask) situations would our contacts feel comfortable nel became even steeper. One new officer struggled for several conveying their more nuanced assessments of, say, the barriers to weeks before she was finally able to engage with any external signing onto our initiative, or explaining the ways in which they contacts. Not surprisingly, she found that actual, in-person were quietly pushing forward our common agenda, or asking us meetings were the best way—and sometimes the only way—to to provide some additional context after a worrisome tweet. get things started and ensure that she subsequently received replies from interlocutors to her email inquiries. No Substitute for Being There One crucial element of person-to-person engagement simply Déjà Vu All Over Again? cannot be replicated in the virtual environment. Though that Many of the questions about virtual diplomacy today feel sounds self-evident, it is difficult to articulate what this element familiar because they are familiar. They’re a variation on the is. Much of this goes back to the core of diplomacy being about same theme that crops up each time a newfangled technology cultivating relationships of trust; as former Secretary of State arises and threatens, or promises, to eliminate the need for real George Shultz suggested in the pages of the November FSJ, trust live diplomats to do the work of diplomacy. Whether it be due to underlies and informs everything of value that we do. It is dif- WorldNet, the fax machine, email, social media or now Zoom and ficult if not impossible to “tend the garden” and concoct such an Microsoft Teams, diplomats always seem to be on the brink of intangible substance as trust from afar. being declared obsolete. Who needs ’em when you’ve got X, Y or It has something to do with what psychologists call collision: Z capability? Well, not so fast. the spontaneous, unpredictable and often creative chemical Technological advances are often useful and mostly good; combustion that occurs when people gather together for some

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 29 shared purpose. We really cannot know what we are missing without the need for leaks. Speaking of Wikileaks, the absence by not “being there” in person: the chance encounters and of “in-person” engagement poses a weirdly parallel challenge to unscripted opportunities that bring new information or insight; the foundation of trust on which diplomats rely, even if it’s more the conversations over coffee that take an unexpectedly produc- passive neglect than explicit breach in nature. tive turn; the relationships or even friendships that might be In the end, reliance on virtual diplomacy will lead to the dilu- born, developed and deepened. tion and erosion of the benefits of diplomacy altogether. Unable The more narrowly intentional virtual realm effectively to “tend the garden” in person, the quality of our relationships forecloses such ad hoc, random or unplanned opportunities. It suffers. As our relationships suffer, so does the quality of our is impossible to “run into” someone else on Zoom or MS Teams; understanding, information and appreciation of the complicated and even informal Zoom conversations suffer from the formality context, the subterranean dynamic or the thorny issue. Our of scheduling them, their “planned spontaneity” often collaps- value-added for Washington policymakers follows suit. ing of its own contradictory weight. The longer-term cumulative The question facing us here is clearly part of a broader consequences of these countless unknown missed opportu- dynamic, a piece of the pandemic’s larger puzzle. Maybe that’s nities—including, for another type of example, in the case of because diplomacy is a bit like life itself or sports or even love: International Visitor Leadership Program participants who never You can maintain the momentum virtually for a time, but you made the trip to the United States—are essentially incalculable. can’t really make it happen. And however much it might seem Virtual diplomacy is also fraught. Imagine daring to share a to be working, you just can’t imagine it remaining this way— “candid” professional confidence in the perpetually monitored not quite real, not quite complete and not quite fully human— panopticon of your typical virtual platform. Think Wikileaks forever. n

30 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

COMMERCIAL DIPLOMACY STRONG RAISING THE BAR IN THE VIRTUAL ERA

In 2020 U.S. companies were forced he year 2020 redefined many jobs and into a new world of lockdowns and businesses. Contending with the pandemic, virtual relations, where work norms plummeting international trade and invest- ment flows, and crippled international had to be refashioned. A commercial travel routes, many U.S. exporters found officer looks at the way ahead. their business and work situations dramati- BY AILEEN NANDI cally altered. To help our American clients, diplomats of the U.S. and Foreign Commer- Tcial Service, along with interagency colleagues, quickly pivoted multiple times to assist with lockdown emergencies, supply chain resilience issues and payment concerns, and to identify or vet foreign sources of supply of pharmaceutical and medical prod- ucts, and much more. In addition to coping with these evolving needs, most of us commercial officers found ourselves working longer hours virtually, on our personal computers. As the months passed, we watched many countries’ econo- mies enter the doldrums. Some governments responded by enacting inward-looking policies to focus on domestic produc- tion and erecting protectionist market barriers, which make it Aileen Nandi is minister counselor for commercial harder for U.S. companies to compete fairly. These changes affairs in New Delhi. She has served several tours each propelled us into a new world. For many of us—and our in India and Latin America, regions where personal clients—it was like entering into an entirely different environ- relationships often define business connections. These ment where we had to relearn or refashion work norms. views are her own and do not necessarily reflect official At this point, we all want “our real lives” back. But a dose policy from the U.S. Department of Commerce. of pragmatism is in order. Given that the International Civil

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 31 Virtual meetings are a stopgap in different cities to reach a fraction of that audience. Indeed, because American small and medium-sized companies now measure in this interim period don’t need to factor in travel time or costs, they have more band- to keep businesses talking or width to connect with many more potential customers. Savvy, afloat until conditions allow export-focused companies can create multifold new business leads without leaving their laptops. However, these leads will them to travel to meet with still need vetting and the U.S. business will have to devote time potential partners. to pursue the partnership.

Does Virtual Work Work? Aviation Organization estimates that international travel won’t Will this virtual world yield successes? We hope so. In many rebound to 2019 levels until 2024, it behooves us to find ways cases, virtual meetings are a way to keep the discussion alive to help U.S. companies succeed and thrive amid these unprec- until people can meet in person again. From my perspective, vir- edented difficulties for the foreseeable future. tual meetings are much more beneficial for an existing relation- What are the lessons learned and proposed ways forward to ship than for a U.S. company reaching out to foreign partners help U.S. companies succeed in this era of disruption? for the first time. Some consumer and software products can be sold internationally without human interactions on platforms Challenge Begets Opportunity such as Amazon or eBay or downloaded from the cloud. U.S. and foreign companies are keen to connect virtually. We But for the vast majority of American companies, especially are witnessing unprecedented demand for our services, largely those dealing in specialized or customized equipment, prod- as a result of a fee-waiver granted by the Office of Management ucts or services, an in-person visit or meeting is often required and Budget for part of Fiscal Year 2020. Initially, this was a to finalize the specifications or negotiations. In short, virtual surprise for us in India, which is still a face-to-face market where meetings are a stopgap measure in this interim period to keep personal relationships matter. U.S. companies normally have to businesses talking or afloat until conditions allow them to travel travel to India (or host their prospective partners in the United to meet with potential partners. States) to cultivate the relationship. Indian companies can take During a previous tour in India, in 2008, I worked with longer to finalize a business deal because they work on the basis colleagues to coordinate virtual introductions and meetings of trust, which takes time to develop. We were delighted to find after the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. I did the same in Central that Indian partners have been very responsive to connecting America from 2014 to 2017 when dangerous conditions hin- with U.S. companies virtually. dered many U.S. companies from routine business development Though Facebook made an exception—and waves—when it trips. In these instances, we brought U.S. and foreign companies invested $5.76 billion in Reliance Jio in April 2020 after several together easily, but we did not see many results and experienced months of virtual negotiations, these are large, well-known higher-than-usual no-show rates. Though companies are more companies that can afford top-notch Wall Street investment and and more familiar with and capable in virtual environments advisory services. Regular U.S. small and medium-sized enter- now, I predict that many will revert to most pre-pandemic prises will want to know that the foreign buyer will pay them, norms once conditions warrant. If you’re in a competitive situ- comply with all contractual terms and represent their product or ation, you can’t resort to negotiating with a partner on a screen brand well. In turn, the foreign buyer will want certainty that the when others are making the effort to woo the potential client in U.S. company can commit to after-sales service and a long-term person. effort to make the partnership a success. These factors are much The quality of the virtual platform matters. We’ve deployed a harder to assess and commit to in the virtual world. lot of virtual platforms, ranging from WebEx, Microsoft Teams Virtual efforts can provide broader reach more quickly. In one and Zoom to BlueJeans, Remo and more, depending on the notable example, we worked with a U.S. company to host almost nature of the virtual interaction and our clients’ preferences. 400 potential Indian partners from across the subcontinent for Some virtual platforms have worked through well-documented a virtual promotion event. That company would otherwise need security issues and require authorization to use. In addition, the at least a week in the country to do multiple promotional events old adage “you get what you pay for” applies, and spotty internet

32 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL connections, background noise, home commitments and other With the rise of protectionist factors can all make virtual interactions more challenging than a focused meeting in a board room. measures worldwide, our Numerous memes have popped up spoofing real-life exam- in-person interactions to ples of virtual meetings gone awry, and there’s much more room advocate on behalf of U.S. for error when incorporating different time zones, language barriers, translation difficulties, technological failure and, well, commercial interests will life. It’s easier to explain these mishaps to a known partner than remain an essential function. during an introductory phase.

A Cautionary Tale interests will remain an essential function. To be successful in Under these unusual circumstances, many people feel they’re commercial diplomacy and advocacy, one must know their working harder than ever before, which can lead to employee government counterparts and understand their language, way of burnout. This is especially true in countries that have a significant thinking, negotiation tactics and culture. This requires building time difference with the United States. For example, India is interpersonal relationships, just as leading U.S. companies do 10.5 hours ahead of EST, which requires colleagues here to do the with their partners. virtual matchmaking in the evening hours. Even when allowing colleagues to shift their work hours to accommodate this new The Way Ahead schedule, they are still routinely missing family and other home The year 2020 tested everyone’s resilience. Ideally, it has duties and events. Previously they would do this work for visiting forced us all to grow stronger. Companies are also adapting, U.S. companies during the workday in most instances. Paying transforming and realigning themselves to meet their clients’ attention to colleagues’ emotional health in these challenging needs. As we work virtually to help U.S. companies remain virtual environments remains of critical importance. competitive overseas, we’re shifting our work approaches and Though it is popular in some quarters to envision the wide- services to meet our clients’ ever-changing expectations. When spread adoption of “virtual work” on a permanent basis, there the pandemic eventually subsides, as it will, we will see whether is little chance that we will lose our jobs to virtual reality in the virtual work has a lingering influence. foreseeable future. Commercial diplomatic work is as impor- I predict that while virtual meetings and telework will find tant as ever; since American companies cannot travel, we are increased acceptance compared to pre-pandemic days, human their eyes and ears on the ground. U.S. small and medium-sized interactions will remain paramount. Even the best technology companies tell us they need actionable market intelligence. Our cannot substitute for personal connections. Having the oppor- insights can inform them whether a potential foreign company tunity to really know your partner, share meals and engage in is a trustworthy partner. Our counseling can help shape their discussions to define and crystalize long-term partnerships strategies in approaching government officials and formulating will triumph over the best meeting software or matchmaking sales plans in our respective countries. service. And while our locally employed (LE) staff is instrumental in In my crystal ball, the future will see a broader mix of virtual helping us win every success, U.S. direct hires remain essential and in-person work. If you’re finalizing negotiations with a for- for delicate commercial diplomacy engagements with host- eign partner, it may be acceptable to do some meetings virtually, country government officials. When dealing with government but in-person interactions will remain vital. If you’re not willing counterparts on thorny issues like market access barriers or or able to hop on a plane to meet your negotiating partner to complicated advocacy interactions for U.S. companies’ interna- demonstrate your commitment, your competitor probably will. tional procurement bids, a U.S. direct hire can have a signifi- And that may make the difference. cant impact. In some countries, LE staff colleagues may have In the meantime, the present pandemic circumstances legitimate security concerns if they directly advocate for U.S. demand we raise the bar. We’re helping U.S. companies to clear government policies or companies. the heightened bar and navigate evolving international busi- With the rise of protectionist measures worldwide, our in- ness procedures and norms with aplomb. May we all emerge person interactions to advocate on behalf of U.S. commercial stronger. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 33 FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

IN-PERSON EXCHANGES, INTERRUPTED

Some virtual components have itih’kanamtsimatsinoh’poowaa anoom proved helpful, but the face-to-face Siksikatsitapii sah’koyii (Welcome to experience—the heart and soul of an the Blackfeet Reservation). … Gathered around the campfire in the chill of a exchange program—is irreplaceable. Montana night, 20 young fellows listen BY DEENA MANSOUR as a Blackfeet elder shares the tribe’s cre- ation story. The fellows are participants in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Kacademic fellowship sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. Selected by embassies at posts across Southeast Asia, they trav- eled thousands of miles for their first experience in the United States. After a day of hiking along the Continental Divide, the “Backbone of the World,” they swap stories, sing American pop songs and sample s’mores. Their academic director, affection- ately referred to as Dr. Len, is a global expert on transboundary environmental studies. He provides context for the next day’s lessons before they retire to their tipis, sharing confidences late into the night. This was what an exchange looked like in the pre-COVID Deena Mansour is executive director of the Mau- world, before the disruption began. The next day, the group would reen and Mike Mansfield Center at the University of journey to the Badger-Two Medicine wilderness, where young Montana, where she teaches public diplomacy and Blackfeet mother Kendall Elmo tells the story of how the U.S. gov- promotes the Foreign Service in high schools and uni- ernment leased the area to oil companies for $1 per acre without versities throughout the state. A former Foreign Service environmental review or consulting the Blackfeet Nation. officer, she was a member of the 99th U.S. Information Agency junior Elmo describes how the tribe partnered with diverse stake- officer class and served in Jakarta from 1994 to 1997. holders to oppose the leases, reinforcing the importance of build-

34 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL COURTESY OF THE MANSFIELD CENTER MANSFIELD THE OF COURTESY The in-person experience is the heart and soul of exchange programs. Montanan Jenny Eck, second from left, with friends made in Myanmar during a Professional Fellows Program there in October 2018.

ing coalitions over time. These lessons ring true to the students, we would soon host our next State Department exchange: aca- many of whom have firsthand knowledge of dislocation in the face demic fellows in the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative of dams, deforestation and mining in their own countries. (known by its acronym, YSEALI). As weeks passed, we frantically The young people are united in their assessment that the booked and rebooked tickets as the pandemic forced us to avoid exchange has been life-changing. They are forever affected by transit through critical hubs in China, then Korea, then Japan. their time immersed in experiential learning, living with host Eventually, it dawned on us that our constant rerouting was families and developing friendships across borders. Ongoing in vain: There was no way our fellows would make it; and even if evaluations demonstrate that participants in these exchanges they did, it would be to a world shut down. Their U.S. experience develop a better understanding of the United States and acquire would then be nothing more than the view out a dorm window tangible skills with which to empower their own communities. with no visits to Glacier National Park, the Flathead Indian Res- Such experiences are the heart and soul of exchanges. No ervation, or even down the street to sample steak and eggs at the matter how sophisticated the platform or how carefully crafted Oxford Tavern—where new keys were being made because until the content, electronic engagement cannot take the place of les- COVID-19, the doors at the Ox hadn’t been locked since 1883. sons learned under the Big Sky, along the bayous of Louisiana or Here at the University of Montana’s Maureen and Mike in the halls of the U.S. Congress. Mansfield Center our mission is to foster globally minded lead- But as we’ve also learned over the past year, there are ways to ers of integrity. This is a challenge in a state that ranks near the adapt to disruption that have introduced economies and assets bottom in every assessment of internationalization, such as to exchanges that will last beyond the pandemic. the number of persons who speak a second language, engage in international commercial partnerships or study abroad. The Coming to Terms with Disruption Mansfield Center—founded by Congress in 1983 to honor the Flying back to Montana from Jakarta on Jan. 19, 2020, I tran- legacy of Mike Mansfield, our country’s longest-serving Senate sited Seoul’s Incheon Airport the same day a traveler brought majority leader and U.S. ambassador to Japan under Presidents the novel coronavirus to South Korea. (My colleagues looked Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan—supports K-12 and higher at me with alarm every time they heard my hacking, post-trip education across the state in both civic education and inter- cough, as I nervously assured them that I was not Montana’s national engagement with speakers, conferences, workshops, Patient Zero.) Despite this personal glimpse of the pandemic, classes, research and dialogs. I naively believed that the virus would be contained, and that Exchanges are among the most important things we do.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 35 Virtual exchanges allowed us Connecting Counterparts Beyond academic content, we tried to preserve the most criti- to set the stage for the students’ cal aspect of exchanges: the connection with U.S. counterparts. U.S. experience by developing We developed the Global Peers Across Lands Sharing (PALS) relationships while at the same Program to pair University of Montana students with YSEALI fellows. UM students responded with applications to PALS to time introducing foundational build cross-cultural communication skills, virtual engagement concepts. competencies and leadership. For UM student McKenna Jones, the experience replaced her study abroad: “I had been on an

They offer a unique window into the United States through rural Montana while supporting an underserved population with opportunities to develop their skills so that they can better engage Virtual Engagement in a globalized world. Exchange participants can be just about Lessons Learned any age, depending on the program. YSEALI has two age groups: 18-24 and 25-35. The State Department Bureau of Educational and • Identify a facilitator who can set the desired tone Cultural Affairs’ programs range from high school through adult and be a constant throughout multiple sessions, set an professionals. Educational and cultural exchanges generally seek agenda, create checklists for such items as breakout ses- to develop cultural understanding and a grasp of thematic content sion participants, and have tech support available. between U.S. citizens and citizens of other countries. • Provide all accessible presentations and handouts in advance. Going Virtual • Acknowledge the challenges of unstable internet Assuaging the YSEALI students’ disappointment, we (again, connections. Sharing recorded session transcripts allows naively) told them that we hoped to see them in August. Then participants to review and reinforce session material. we embarked on reframing the first stage of their experience as • For participants with disabilities, the presenter a virtual exchange to make connections in both real-time and should describe all images and text, utilizing the chat box asynchronously. to provide any description that might be missed. There are some advantages in this: virtual engagement is • Start the meeting by establishing rapport and cost-effective, and it has the capacity to reach far greater num- sharing meeting objectives and ground rules regarding bers of participants. As noted by a Tohoku University virtual respect, active listening, patience and questions. exchange student, this method also empowers less assertive par- • Use icebreakers to help reduce anxiety. Facilitate ticipants to gain confidence in language and engagement behind something simple, as superficial prompts can build to the barrier of a screen. something deeper. Ask participants to describe one thing Virtual exchanges allowed us to set the stage for the students’ they’re passionate about, the view from their window or U.S. experience by developing relationships while at the same a favorite local dish. time introducing foundational concepts. We facilitated camara- • When people are vulnerable, others open up. Create derie through icebreakers, movie nights and birthday celebra- a safe space for sharing while managing oversharing. tions. Our faculty led academic discussions on U.S. society, Consider setting a timer, and have a plan to reconnect government and civic engagement. Experts joined us to talk with emotional participants one-on-one. about the pandemic and U.S. elections. • To support nascent English speakers, screen-share To keep the fellows engaged online, it was important that they or type instructions into the chat box. take the lead in discussions and become an integral part of their • Make time for reflection at the end of each session, learning. They introduced best practices of youth leadership, either verbally or in the chat box, with a simple prompt comparing techniques across borders. The fellows supported asking for one takeaway. one another’s work, including campaigns for flood and pan- —DM demic relief.

36 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL our expectations. As UM student Ahna Fox notes: “I didn’t think I would get a friend out of this experience. I saw academic gain, a posi- tive for my résumé and an eye-opener involving culture. 2020 YSEALI Academic All this proved to be true, yet Fellows share their favorite I gained so much more. The books during the first things that I didn’t expect to stage of their experience, reframed as a virtual find are the things that I find exchange. the most rewarding.” Despite the benefits, COURTESY OF THE MANSFIELD CENTER MANSFIELD THE OF COURTESY participants were united in exchange in Austria when COVID-19 hit hard. It was disappoint- expressing their desire for experiential learning and face-to-face ing being forced to come back early; but being able to connect interactions. As one YSEALI fellow notes: “It makes me want to with my Thai partner, May, and share our cultures went a long end COVID-19 and visit Montana already. My PAL and I have way to making that loss of opportunity bearable.” a list of activities we will do together when I get there such as To supplement synchronous engagement by Zoom, WhatsApp mountaineering, baking and biking.” and social media, we facilitated use of two asynchronous platforms. FlipGrid allowed participants to create and share Spontaneous Connections Lost short videos about their interests, hobbies and dreams. The UM Similar sentiments were expressed by participants in the course instruction hub, Moodle, housed readings and conver- YSEALI Professional Fellows Program, which is centered sation prompts. on a monthlong fellowship in a U.S. workplace. A reciprocal There have been unforeseen benefits of the move to virtual exchange, participants then host their American partners to exchange. Participants have bonded over sharing the struggles of implement an action plan. COVID-19, and the number of friendships developed exceeded Fellow Mathilda Ho founded a nongovernmental organiza- tion to lead Singapore’s first volunteer movement to promote the dignified treatment of refugees and displaced persons. While her April 2020 exchange was postponed, she and her cohort met for online training and small-group work. Mathilda notes: “We were able to bond over common struggles, hopes and aspirations in our areas of work, to better our communities and the people we serve. This is the spirit that is missing and something very much needed in today’s fragmented world.” While Mathilda and her cohort await a rescheduled U.S. program, it is important to note that one of the most powerful elements of in-person exchanges are the spontaneous connec- tions that happen through people-to-people relationships. Take 2018 Vietnamese alumna Nguyen Thi Van: During her fellow- ship in Montana, her American partner realized Van could be much more comfortable in her wheelchair with a sheepskin seat cover—something commonly used in the United States. That opened Van’s world to numerous low-cost adaptive technologies that were not available in Vietnam. Now, with the assistance COURTESY OF THE MANSFIELD CENTER MANSFIELD THE OF COURTESY Exchange participants raft Montana’s Clark Fork River in July 2018. of her U.S. fellowship host and a small program grant, Van is

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 37 One of the most powerful Rights Network, had planned to travel to Thailand in June to assist her fellowship partner, Rojana Inkhong, in connecting the elements of in-person national government’s human rights agency to local stakehold- exchanges are the spontaneous ers. This collaboration would have supported Rojana’s work to connections that happen strengthen citizen participation in human rights at a critical time. While the contribution of U.S. participant knowledge to through people-to-people YSEALI communities is important, equally significant is the relationships. transformation of the American participants who become citizen ambassadors on their return home. In rural Montana, these community leaders play a critical role in shifting perspectives.

The Future of Exchange The importance of experiential learning has been proven, ironically, by the absence of in-person exchanges for the past year, and this should inspire a growth in exchange program- ming under the new administration. At the same time, we have learned the benefits of some virtual components that will con- tinue to enhance the exchange experience. A new high school exchange with U.S. Embassy Hanoi, conceived of by Public Affairs Officer Pam DeVolder to celebrate the 25th anniversary of normalized relations between the United States and Vietnam, provides the ideal combination of program activities. Cohorts of 25 Vietnamese and 25 American students will

COURTESY OF THE MANSFIELD CENTER MANSFIELD THE OF COURTESY first engage virtually for six months. Then Vietnamese students Exchange participants say farewell on the last program night will travel to the United States for two weeks to work with in Washington, D.C., in July 2018. American students, who will follow that with travel to Viet- nam to support community action projects. Ongoing program developing a showroom in Hanoi where people with physical impacts will be maximized by continuing virtual engagement disabilities can obtain simple modifications that facilitate between the two groups. mobility and comfort. DeVolder notes: “The past year has shown just how valuable No virtual platform can deliver such effects—experiences that virtual engagement can be. Hybrid programs, like the one we’re lead to innovations in the fellows’ work, which then have a ripple planning with the University of Montana, are really the future effect throughout their communities. model for exchanges, fostering deep cross-cultural connections and meaningful projects that will benefit entire communities U.S. Communities: Capital Lost for years to come.” This expanded engagement through virtual The transition to virtual exchanges has also tangibly dis- platforms simply wouldn’t have happened without the lessons of rupted some U.S. communities. The loss of hundreds of millions COVID-19. of grant dollars has had a significant economic impact on Main We can only hope that participants in our delayed exchanges Street businesses. Citizen diplomacy, broadly speaking, is known will eventually make it to the United States to build on the rela- for developing five forms of capital: knowledge, cultural, social, tionships and learning already begun virtually. As Macon Barrow, civic and economic. With the cessation of in-person exchanges, chief of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Study of opportunities for Americans to become informed about interna- the U.S. Branch, states: “Virtual exchange programs are a good tional affairs, develop cross-cultural communication skills and substitute for in-person programming during a pandemic and an prepare to engage in international commerce are fewer (espe- enhancement to these in-person exchanges. However, the in-per- cially in isolated Montana). Virtual exchanges cannot fill the gap. son experience is the heart and soul of these exchange programs Rachel Carroll Rivas, co-director of the Montana Human to the United States, and that experience is irreplaceable.” n

38 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

TRANSFERRING IN A TIME OF CHAOS

A rooftop track was a handy escape from lockdown during the stay at a temporary hotel after landing in a city under quarantine. CAMERON WOODWORTH CAMERON

Challenging in the best of times, s any Foreign Service family can tell you, FS transfers have become crucibles moving to a new post is not easy. Even of resilience and determination in the best of times, it can be tough to during the pandemic. adjust to a new culture, figure out a new embassy community and make new BY CAMERON WOODWORTH friends. During a pandemic, the chal- lenges rise exponentially. In January 2020, my wife, Monica Cameron Woodworth is associate editor for ASmith, a Senior Foreign Service officer who has served for 20 The Foreign Service Journal. He and his wife, Monica years as a USAID attorney, delayed retirement to accept a one- Smith—a Senior Foreign Service officer with USAID— year assignment to Bogotá to fill a staffing gap. It had long been have been posted to Budapest, Islamabad, Tel Aviv, a dream of ours to serve in South America, and we expected to Washington, D.C., and currently serve in Bogotá. move sometime that spring.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 39 It was a sharp contrast to previous postings, when we could get out and see the country—and meet people— immediately.

Then the pandemic hit, throwing our plans into disarray. On March 17, 2020, Colombia closed its borders to international flights. Like thousands of other Foreign Service colleagues, we would experience several months of bureaucratic complica- tions and general confusion before we finally arrived at post, where settling in presented another set of difficulties. Our story and the experiences of others recounted here, SCHOFIELDANNE The youngest member of an FS family, duly masked, naps in the along with some lessons learned along the way, will hopefully airport during transit. help those members of the Foreign Service facing transfers in the coming months and beyond. abate, and we were required to be on lockdown for our entire year in Colombia, we felt we would still learn much about the country Getting There just by living there, and Monica would have a great opportunity to For months, it was unclear if we would ever make it to contribute to U.S. foreign policy goals in South America. Bogotá. In March 2020, the State Department began autho- In April 2020, USAID Bogotá informed us that Monica had rizing voluntary, no-fault curtailment to employees in any been placed on a list of mission-critical embassy workers who country considered to be at high risk of exposure to COVID-19. would be permitted to fly to Bogotá on a humanitarian flight, By the beginning of April, State had evacuated more than 6,000 even while Colombia’s borders were still closed. Yet much American diplomats and their families from overseas posts. uncertainty about the timing, and many bureaucratic obstacles, That month, the department announced a hold on summer remained. Embassy personnel, most forced by the pandemic transfers to overseas posts at least until the end of May 2020. to work from home, scrambled to help incoming families deal Diplomacy Strong, the department’s three-phase road with new Colombian government procedures for obtaining visas map for returning to normalcy released in the spring of 2020, virtually and receive permission to enter the country. We greatly outlined the difficulties ahead: “The global pandemic pres- appreciated the professionalism of the Foreign Service officers ents unprecedented challenges that will require extraordinary and local staff who helped us figure out this puzzle. patience and perseverance in the face of uncertainty. Missions and employees will need to remain flexible, as the Department Landing in Lockdown adjusts to gradual normalization of travel.” While we waited for a departure date, U.S. Embassy Bogotá Given early concerns about the dangers of flying dur- invited us to participate in virtual town hall meetings designed ing a pandemic, we were not even sure we wanted to travel. to keep the embassy community informed about the emerging Wouldn’t it be safer to stay at home in Arlington, Virginia, than COVID-19 situation at post. We found these meetings, which transit through three airports and sit on two flights to Colom- have continued every several weeks since we arrived in Colom- bia? Moreover, Bogotá issued a strict lockdown order in late bia, to be enormously helpful. Through them, U.S. Ambassador March, which ended up lasting several months. Would we be Philip Goldberg and his team have helped both the existing able to get as much out of our assignment as we did at other embassy community and incoming families deal with issues posts? And would it be more difficult for Monica to feel part of ranging from current COVID-19 restrictions in Colombia and the mission working from home? permanent change of station (PCS) travel challenges to when Ultimately, we decided to go. Even if the pandemic did not Foreign Service families might get the vaccine.

40 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL In late July, we finally arrived in Bogotá. Walking through the It is always good to be proactive mostly empty El Dorado International Airport, where workers in full-body hazmat suits sprayed us and other passengers with with post, even more so during disinfectant, was decidedly eerie. Our apartment wasn’t ready, the confusion of a pandemic. because the pandemic had delayed the departure of the family living in it before us. We were required to quarantine for two weeks in a hotel apartment. It was a sharp contrast to previous As this edition of the Journal goes to press, it seems that postings, when we could get out and see the country—and meet PCSing will continue to be complicated for a while longer. people—immediately. As of Feb. 10, 38 percent of posts worldwide were still in The embassy couldn’t work on our assigned apartment Diplomacy Strong’s Phase I, which limits onsite embassy because of neighborhood lockdowns and evolving COVID-19 workers to 40 percent of the full staff. Only 8 percent were in protocols. We stayed in the small hotel apartment for nearly Phase III, which allows 80 percent or more of workers to be three months, trying to do our Zoom meetings without getting onsite. The State Department had also announced that interna- in each other’s way. Monica struggled to complete the embassy tional trips should be avoided unless they were mission critical, check-in virtually. One problem was that embassy officials given current high rates of transmission in the United States. expected the check-in process to be completed on State Depart- ment computer systems, an obstacle for people from other agen- Be Prepared for Anything cies without access to those systems. Our experience has by no means been unique, as my email More than seven months after we arrived, Monica, like most exchanges with other members of the Foreign Service make U.S. Embassy Bogotá employees, is still working from home clear. Take U.S. Ambassador to Uganda Natalie Brown, for as the pandemic continues to rage here. While not having to instance, who had a bumpy ride PCSing from the United States commute into the office has its advantages, it is harder to build to Uganda last fall. She found the changing COVID-19 testing camaraderie, friendships and teams while working virtually. requirements and practices of airlines and transit countries frustrating. Uganda required a negative test for entry, but Amsterdam, through which she transited, had additional requirements, telling passengers to complete forms they had not been made aware of prior to departure. “We were late leaving Amster- dam for Uganda,” Amb. Brown says, “because Rwanda, the first stop on the journey, wanted all travelers to register online for contact tracing. At the airport, not everyone had a smartphone to do this, so passengers helped out each other, and KLM delayed departure to accommodate all travelers. There is nothing the department could have done to prepare travelers for this, but the lesson for me was to be prepared CAMERON WOODWORTH CAMERON The first leg of the trip to post was on a mostly empty plane. for everything.”

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 41 CAMERON WOODWORTH CAMERON While working remotely in Bogotá, a city under rolling lockdowns, USAID legal counselor Monica Smith (at right) takes advantage of a biking outing to get to know her colleague USAID Mission Director Larry Sacks.

Flexibility and proactivity are at Anne Schofield says. (The kids were accepted.) The family finally landed in Amman on Sept. 10, “just as cases locally started to the heart of some of the lessons skyrocket.” we and others have learned. Post didn’t have any available houses large enough for a fam- ily of eight, so the Schofields boarded in a hotel for five weeks. The family was given a choice of quarantining for three weeks without COVID-19 testing or quarantining for two weeks with Most difficult for Brown, however, was that extensive efforts two tests two weeks apart. “If any of the family tested positive, we to take her dogs with her proved futile. “I’m fortunate that friends would be evicted from the hotel with exactly nowhere to stay,” and family are willing to take care of my pets,” she said shortly Schofield says. “We voted for three weeks of quarantine.” Fortu- after arriving at post. “I know of many others without such a back- nately, she adds, good folks at post arranged loaner toys for the up plan.” kids, groceries and adapter plugs for the family’s many laptops. Schofield recommends that people with upcoming PCS plans Get in Touch with Folks Who’ve “Been There” join Facebook groups such as Trailing Houses, which, she says, Anne and Aaron Schofield and their six children were sched- “has kind people with many years of experience PCSing.” Many uled to fly out of the United States to Amman, Jordan, on July 15. posts have private Facebook groups (usually organized through But there were many wrinkles along the way: securing medical the Community Liaison Office) that can prove invaluable. You clearances, obtaining eight diplomatic passports despite the might also find good expat Facebook groups in the city to which passport office’s limited operations early in the pandemic, and you are moving. Schofield also recommends taking care of health setting up the kids’ schooling, for starters. care appointments in the United States before PCSing. Two months later, just before their departure date, the family’s school of choice unexpectedly said it was denying all the kids’ Be Flexible and Proactive applications. Five days before boarding one of the last repatriate “2020 has been a year like no other in so many ways,” says flights to Jordan, “we applied to another school without any time Jimmi Sommer, the management counselor at Consulate Gen- or ability to consider whether it would be a good fit for our kids,” eral Guayaquil in Ecuador.

42 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Sommer, who “never imagined moving during a global pan- demic,” did a direct transfer from the Netherlands to Ecuador and started work, from home, the day after she arrived. “I met all my direct reports and colleagues virtually,” she says. “There are a few folks who were on full-time telework that I still haven’t met in person.” One plus? For the first time, internet was already set up when she arrived at her new post. “Honestly, from the logistics side, it couldn't have gone smoother,” she says. “As always, be flexible,” recommends Sommer, who found she had to juggle and change flight dates to get a direct route to post amid the confusion and upset in the airline industry and country border-closings. Indeed, flexibility and proactivity are at the heart of some of the lessons we and others have learned: Communicate with your new post early and often. It is always good to be proactive with post, but even more so during the turmoil of a pandemic. By now, more than a year into the health crisis, posts have hopefully worked out many of the kinks. We communicated constantly with Bogotá last spring and summer to try to line up our visas, humanitarian flight, shipments, housing and more, and that proved vital. Make an effort to find friends. Working from home, and with significant city and embassy restrictions on our movement, we have found it harder to make new friends at post. Seek out per- mitted activities to meet people. Monica and I are avid cyclists, and we have made friends with USAID and embassy colleagues on weekend bike rides. An embassy book club has also proved helpful, though club meetings are often virtual, depending on current restrictions. Sommer recommends finding ways to connect virtually dur- ing the pandemic. “Use it as a time to stay in touch with friends and family back home or at other posts,” she says. Take advantage of opportunities to take a break. Ordinary relief valves such as local or regional travel, or organized sports or even restaurant outings, may not be available, so it is important to take advantage of opportunities that arise. Dealing with heaps of uncertainty is not easy. Be sure to have access to books, inter- net groups, online yoga or whatever works to relieve stress. And State’s WorkLife4You and USAID’s Staff Care programs provide invaluable counseling and referral services. Despite all the pandemic uncertainty and myriad difficulties, more than halfway through our assignment, we are happy to have made the move to Bogotá and have already created many posi- tive memories here. Traveling to a new post during a pandemic certainly is stressful and challenging, but it can still be highly rewarding. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 43 FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

PANDEMIC PARENTING HOW FOREIGN SERVICE MOMS ARE (NOT) MAKING IT WORK

FS parents—in particular, FS moms— ince the early months of 2020, when the are stretched to the breaking point, and world shut down in the face of COVID-19, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. the impact on families has been unprec- edented—especially on moms. Moms BY DONNA SCARAMASTRA GORMAN who were fortunate enough to have access to paid child care or nearby relatives lost that support when the world went on lockdown, and they left the workforce in Sdroves, either because they were laid off or because they had to oversee their kids’ online schooling and the rest of the details that go into managing a household—no easy task even without a pandemic outside your door. Most parents in the Foreign Service have stayed on the job, many remotely, but they haven’t been immune to the stresses of raising a family and managing a career while trying to avoid getting sick. It’s hard for Foreign Service families. We’re far from home, often in countries without quality health care. Our ability Donna Scaramastra Gorman’s articles have appeared to access medevac flights if we get critically ill disappeared when in Time Magazine, Newsweek, The Washington Post, borders closed. We can’t visit sick or dying relatives back in the The Christian Science Monitor and the FSJ. A Foreign States. Many of us moved to new countries midpandemic and Service spouse, she has lived in Amman, Moscow, have no nearby friends to lean on. And through it all, we’re jug- Yerevan, Almaty, Beijing and Northern Virginia. gling online school with spotty internet access, grocery shopping Formerly an associate editor for the Journal, she is currently posted in in foreign languages and near-impossible work deadlines. Moscow with her husband and four children. FS parents—in particular, FS moms—are stretched to the

44 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL MILOLABRADOR / SHUTTERSTOCK

breaking point, and with the vaccine still far from guaranteed to An FSO based in Europe, whose husband has stayed home arrive at post, there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight. When with the kids this tour, says: “He’s great at it, but we have two the FSJ asked Foreign Service parents to tell us how the pan- special needs kids and another with mental health struggles. demic had affected their families and careers, numerous parents He can’t do it all himself when they aren’t in school.” Since the responded with their own stories from the trenches—and 100 start of the pandemic, she’s taken on more parenting duties, but percent of those responses were from working women. she says her work has suffered as a result. “It’s incredibly hard to focus,” she explains. “I’m normally pretty good about being “Stay Home and Watch Netflix” ‘work-me’ at the office and ‘mom-me’ at home, but it’s been “I’ve forgotten what downtime is,” says Jessica, an FS family hard to keep them separate.” member who works as a lawyer outside the embassy. Her hus- Senior-level FSOs aren’t immune. “The biggest change in band’s job hasn’t slowed down—he’s at the embassy five days a terms of performance for me, as a relatively senior-level woman, week, 12 hours at a stretch—so she’s at home “juggling not only leader and mother at an overseas post, is that I am no longer all of the regular child care duties, but also the virtual school able to carry the emotional or social burden at work,” explains an responsibilities, all while trying to work from home at the same FSO mom based at a post in South America. “Women at all levels time.” often maintain the emotional and social intangibles that make When people joked at the onset of the pandemic that all we an office a place where people feel connected, supported and had to do to beat COVID-19 was stay home and watch Netflix, recognized.” Now, she says, “I can gauge how focused I am on she says it felt like a dagger in the chest. “The idea of being in work by the relative increase in the number of notifications that my pajamas all day, eating chocolate chip cookies and watching the children are missing Zoom classes, assignments or online Netflix is so luxurious, I have dreams about it. But instead, I'm group meetings.” running from my laptop to the kids, getting lunch on the table, Is it harder for parents serving overseas? Janet Moreth, a keeping track of three different school schedules, plus my work social worker with State’s Employee Consultation Services, calls. And trying to do all the regular stuff in between. No time says that Foreign Service parents “are facing many of the same for Netflix. I spend all of my time on work/kids/housework.” pressures (i.e., virtual learning, lack of reliable child care and

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 45 “The State Department has so people work from home, there is more support at home. But “that just hasn’t been the case.” With her spouse still many talented, independent required to work full-time at the embassy, and no household and resilient people but ‘doing help allowed in the houses at post, she’s on her own to manage it all’ is not sustainable,” says their young children as they spend their school days in the din- ing room while she takes work calls in the same room. Janet Moreth, a social worker Her situation is typical: FS families across the globe are feeling with State’s Employee this pressure as the parents—mothers and fathers alike—try to find creative solutions that will allow them to make it through Consultation Services. their pandemic days together, intact.

What to Do? teleworking with young children present), but they’re doing it None of the moms this author heard from blame the State under complicated circumstances.” Moving between countries Department or any other agency for their predicament—in fact, whose governments have different responses to the pandemic nearly all mentioned that there is not much their employer could gives parents and children “mixed messages about expectations, do to fix this situation. But one says she’d like to see management protections and protocols,” causing anxiety and leading recognize that “this is all really hard on the spouses—especially to socially awkward situations. Moreth is leading monthly par- those who transferred last summer and have no community at enting groups online for FS parents who need help navigating post. … So many of us have truly sacrificed to be here. It’s not easy these murky waters. on our families, on our careers, on our mental health. I worry about being away from my aging parents every day.” The 1950s All Over Again? Many others point to a need for technological upgrades, at It’s 2021. Women no longer have to resign if they get married, work and at home. They recommend that the embassy upgrade and spouses aren’t rated on their FSO’s annual employee evalua- at-home internet bandwidth to accommodate increased use tion report (EER). Yet many moms in heterosexual partnerships by teleworking parents and distance learning students. “Give report that their children still turn to mom first, even when dad us the tech we need,” says one. “I need a monitor and a laptop is at home. An FS specialist mother based in Europe reports that I can use exclusively for work. I could spend $3,000 and buy a her kids usually come to her for help, even when she’s working setup here; but I can’t really afford it, and I would spend twice and her husband is not. The mental burden on women, she says, as much buying locally.” is higher than ever. Married couples need to find ways to support one another. Other moms agree. “The constant struggle over who deals “In our dual career household, we try to specify specific times for with the kids, who manages them through the day at the expense each parent to assume primary parental duties during the work- of the parent’s own work, has been a major stressor on our mar- day to increase transparency and accountability in the allocation riage, especially after our transfer, when no one in the family of household responsibilities,” says one FSO mom. has outside friends or support networks.” The solution for this Another mom recommends that families “do what is right for FSO in South America (who prefers to remain anonymous) has them.” As she points out: “Most Americans have more annual been “for me to lead parent (and lean out of my work) so that my leave than they can ever use, and we shouldn’t feel guilty for tak- husband can lean in more to his job. This might mean a less awe- ing time that is ours.” We all like to feel critical to the mission, she some EER and maybe a change in my corridor reputation, but says, but don’t let work overtake all areas of your life. those things matter less than my family.” Jason Singer, AFSA’s USAID vice president, says AFSA encour- “My husband comes to me snitching on the kids,” says one ages Foreign Service members to take advantage of the agency’s FS specialist. “‘So-and-so just did this!’ Well, dad, hubby, what Staff Care and talk with their supervisors about work-life balance are you going to do about it? Why are you telling me when I am needs and flexibilities. “I’m a parent of two teenagers,” he says, clearly occupied with something else?” and “these are not easy times. Speaking personally, I encourage Another mom whose partner spends long hours at the my colleagues to recognize your own needs and take advantage embassy says there is an expectation that because so many of agency resources.” USAID officers are passionate about the

46 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL mission, he says, and “this sometimes clouds our self-assess- The big question on all of these ment of our own state of mind.” He encourages his colleagues to reach out to AFSA to discuss their challenges and seek support. parents’ minds: What’s next? Make sure, too, that as a leader you are supporting your employees. Says one FSO: “State has, on paper, been great. The 10 hours of weekly COVID-19 leave, the incredible speed I can’t be a rock star social sponsor. I can’t organize or confirm with which they set up telework capabilities, the messages of participation in optional virtual events. It’s a pity, because support. But at least for me personally, that hasn’t all been these contributions are integral to my leadership style and implemented. I’ve been strongly discouraged from using the success, they reflect my core values, and leading these efforts is COVID leave because ‘everyone will want to use it.’ I had to highly satisfying to me in normal times.” go back to the office long before the guidance indicated it Dr. Catherine Saxbe, a regional psychiatrist (RMO/P) was mandatory. Post ran out of laptops before I got one.” based in Moscow, reminds parents that they can't “do it all.” “You can only toggle between the priorities of the moment,” Lean Too Far In, and You’ll Fall on Your Face she says. “Don’t stress about screen time or dust bunnies. But What do these parents want their colleagues and bosses do pay attention so that family members don’t go and occupy to know? “I cannot be in charge of fostering morale or team separate silos all the time. Some alone time is fine and healthy, building at work right now,” laments a senior-level FSO. but sustained isolation is not, especially for children and teens. “As lead parent with multiple kids learning full-time at home, Be less critical of one another, and show kids that you enjoy plus elder care responsibilities, I just cannot take on more. their company and listen to their ideas and interests.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 47 Read aloud to one another. Be in the present. This is a good time for family bonding. You’ll never get another like it.” ECS’ Moreth agrees. “The State Department has so many talented, independent and resilient people, but ‘doing it all’ is not sustainable,” she says. Modify expectations: “Are the clothes and dishes everywhere going to matter in five days, five weeks, five months?” She also recommends joining one of the virtual sup- port groups offered by ECS, the Family Liaison Office and others. When asked to give other parents advice, another FSO says merely: “I guess look at my last six months and do the oppo- site…?” (Helpful advice? Perhaps not. But I think we can all agree we need this woman at our post with us.) Sociologist Jesse Calarco of the University of Indiana says we shouldn’t be asking other moms for “tips and tricks” to sur- viving this work-life crunch. “The people I’d much rather target for recommendations are the people with the power to ensure that mothers get the resources and support they need,” she says. “Because moms don’t need advice right now. They need politicians and business owners and community leaders and their own partners to step up and give them the support they deserve.”

After the Pandemic The big question on all of these parents’ minds: What’s next? Many hope that after the pandemic is over, those of us in the for- eign affairs community can continue to take advantage of flexible telework opportunities. “In Washington, D.C., there is a growing cultural acceptance around telework flexibility. I hope that the State Department will maintain flexible situational or scheduled telework options for overseas employees in the future,” says one FSO. Jason Singer says that AFSA and USAID are looking at les- sons learned during the pandemic, including those related to workplace flexibilities and telework. But, he notes, “while we’ve learned to do many things on a virtual basis, the heart of our development work will remain about people, and no amount of Zoom calls can replace our personal, field-based engagement.” Family member Jessica says she has been working remotely for years, so “it feels a little bit like the rest of the world is catch- ing up to the way I’ve been working.” While she prefers telework- ing, she misses the travel that was a central part of her job prior to the pandemic. “There is nothing like white hotel sheets, room service and alone time.” Travel and alone time: two things that Foreign Service parents are undoubtedly missing these days. n

48 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FOCUS DIPLOMACY IN AN AGE OF DISRUPTION

MY REINTRODUCTION TO AMERICA A COVID-19 JOURNEY

Returning “home” after years fter spending nearly eight and a half years overseas as a management officer, overseas is notoriously difficult. I started my first domestic tour in The COVID-19 pandemic gave Charleston, South Carolina, with the the experience a whole new, Bureau of the Comptroller and Global and surprising, twist. Financial Services in August 2019—just BY KIMBERLY HARMON a few months before COVID-19, which had been silently gathering momentum, Aerupted into public view. The transition back to one’s “home- land,” by itself very difficult after so many years abroad, suddenly became even more challenging—and, as it happened, even more rewarding. First, the culture shock: There is no one waiting at the airport, no move-in ready, no government housing, no motor pool or Kimberly Harmon joined the Foreign Service as a social sponsor. But the real clincher is the pay cut. Not only do management officer in 2011 with her husband, their you lose your overseas allowances, but you have a mortgage, util- 4-month-old son, Tristan, and two cats. Her first ity bills and car payments, and no embassy community bubble. assignment was to Hermosillo, Mexico, where daughter It’s a bit like being in a foreign country with people that all look Marigny was born. She then went to Port Louis, and sound like you, but do not want to talk to you. It is harder Mauritius, as the general services officer, and there the family welcomed outside Washington, D.C., because there are only 10 FSOs in their third child, Hudson. Next came a posting to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Charleston instead of the large Foreign Service support network She is currently on her first domestic tour, at the Bureau of the Comp- in the greater D.C. area. Even though I’m a native of South Caro- troller and Global Financial Services in Charleston, South Carolina. lina, it was difficult to find my village.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 49 COURTESY OF KIM HARMON The author, second from left, delivers food to residents at an extended stay hotel in Charleston. Inset: Mr. Henderson “Savannah” Sims, a veteran, talks with the author.

As I was navigating this new territory—buying and furnishing I had a van full of food my first house; learning my new job; trying to meet Americans; and some toys for the joining book clubs, parent-teacher organizations, anything I children. Someone told could think of to reconnect with America—2020 happened. me about a church pro- viding free hot meals, so How It All Began I also picked up meals During the week of March 15, 2020, I noticed an odd post for the family, plus a few from a woman on one of the Facebook groups I had joined. It extra. I drove it all to the seemed like something was off, so I messaged her privately, only family at an extended to learn that her family—husband and two kids—hadn’t eaten in stay hotel on the north four days. It was the result of unfortunate circumstances: a lost side of Charleston. job, a dead car, no extended family and COVID-19. While dropping it off, I saw two older men sitting outside their I offered to help, and used the Nextdoor neighborhood app to hotel room and decided to give them the extra meals I had in the ask for donations of food for the family. Within a matter of days, car. Then other people asked if I had any more meals.

50 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I realized there was a greater need than I knew, so I quickly I never really know where help returned to the church and asked for 20 more meals. When I returned, the older gentleman to whom I had given the first meal or food will come from or who thanked me and told me he hadn’t had food in his hotel room will bring it, but it comes. in two weeks. A group used to bring meal vouchers weekly, he said, but when the coronavirus started spreading and restaurants closed, they just stopped coming. “I’ll get food together and be became a vegan. Early on, a college friend who owns a local back next Saturday,” I told him. I didn’t even ask his name and diner gave me dozens of local eggs because he had to shut down room number, I just figured I would find him, sitting outside I his restaurant due to COVID-19. suppose. Sometime in the first few weeks my numbers jumped from six The next week I used the Nextdoor app again, and my neigh- boxes to 13, and now I am at 19 boxes, all delivered to families bors responded generously. I made six boxes full of canned and individuals living at the motel under various government and packaged food to take to the hotel. I wasn’t quite sure who assistance programs. The majority (14) are veterans, some with they were all for, but I knew the first family and the two gentle- families, who depend on the joint U.S. Department of Housing men, and I figured there would be at least three other people in and Urban Development–U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs need. I just had to find them. Once the food boxes were in my supportive housing program for homeless vets. There are also car, I collected 30 cooked meals from the church and delivered a couple of disabled elderly men who are not vets and three everything to the original family and the two older men, a single women who rely on disability benefits. Since December, I have mother with two kids and two more elderly men—hoping that it been bringing extra boxes of food to make sure I have enough would last through the week. for anyone who needs it. Each week volunteers and I bring food At first I didn’t have a set time, or much structure. But after to 25 to 30 residents in this hotel. Their need for support has the second week, I told them I would be back weekly at the same not diminished during the past year; rather, it has grown as time. I said I’d come with food until COVID-19 ended and every- COVID-19 persists and food shortages become more apparent. thing was back to normal. I wanted them to use the food and to My process starts on Monday and ends on Saturday, and know I was not going to disappear. I am not sure if they believed then starts again. Every week I go to four different stores on me, some random person who just showed up on Saturdays. Wednesday and Thursday (by now I know the cheapest place for They didn’t even know my name, and honestly, I didn’t know most basic food items). Three volunteers help me make boxes theirs—just their room numbers. on Friday. For the first six or seven weeks, I made the deliveries At week four I realized my neighbors wouldn’t be able to sup- on my own on Saturday, but then ran out of space in my car and port me over the long term with food donations. I called it the couldn’t handle the volume alone. Now three to five volunteers “Quarantine Slump”—at that point none of us knew how long help with the deliveries each week. this would last; we just hoped it would end soon. March 6 marked the one-year anniversary of my first food delivery. But the project is about so much more. It is about real- How It’s Going izing that when you make yourself available to the world, every- I started posting on Facebook and reaching out to nonprof- thing lines up. In week 11 the church stopped making cooked its and the food banks. One co-founder at a local nonprofit, meals, and I was sad that I would not be able to take those; but Tri-County Veterans Services Network, introduced me to the by the following Monday I had received a Facebook message founder of Project Street Outreach, where I could get bread from a stranger asking if I would like soup. She put me in touch and food boxes. Later, I began picking up food donations from with a volunteer who happens to live five minutes away and a medical clinic that had transitioned to a food bank with the had been preparing six gallons of soup weekly since COVID-19 onset of COVID-19. started and asked if I could use it. I now deliver 30-40 quarts of I have received unexpected donations from grocery stores soup weekly. and from people in different neighborhoods. Some days I find Another lovely neighbor bakes homemade pastries that she food on my porch late in the evening. I never really know where delivers to me every Friday. When I was starting to give up on find- help or food will come from or who will bring it, but it comes. ing fridge space, a friend who has helped me for months donated a One woman donated all the meat from her freezer when she full-size refrigerator for my garage, and that solved the problem.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 51 COURTESY OF KIM HARMON Stocks fill the author’s garage; the food boxes are staged for packing and delivery on Saturday morning.

I simply go because one sweet ard, Tadpole, Slim and I are forming a bond, and that matters. My kids will remember me helping these veterans. I will forever gentleman said he was hungry, remember their stories and cherish the opportunity to have done and it isn’t right. These men something on a domestic tour that FSOs cannot do overseas. sacrificed for our country, and Why am I sharing this with you as fellow FSOs? Where’s the “so what?”—because that’s the important part, right? Here it is: we owe them more respect than At first I was floundering, trying to find people and a way to be we give them. productive here “at home” like I had been overseas, trying to feel like I was getting things done. Well, I have succeeded: I am help- ing Americans in America. The project gives sustenance directly to folks who are in dire I also started a Facebook fundraiser page to raise money need. But they are not the only beneficiaries. Those who donate for the project that helps pay for the food I buy weekly; it also each week are able to give back to the community in a way that allowed me to purchase Father’s Day gifts for the veterans. They they could not otherwise. Many are older and at high risk for never ask for anything, but they have so little. I spend an hour a COVID-19, so can’t volunteer or work in food banks; but they week just talking with them, listening for what they may need— love bringing by groceries and seeing pictures of the veterans. I hear things like they only have two spoons and one fork in I am making connections with so many amazing people in my their rooms, or they don’t own a folding chair, or do not have community through this project. Moreover, I am the first and a toaster. These are little things that I can find to make their only FSO most of these people will ever meet, so I’m able to world a better place, things we think nothing of picking up at educate people at a grassroots level about the work we do over- Target for $20. seas. I am also doing something we cannot do as freely overseas, which is volunteering and helping others within my community So What? without worrying about a public affairs angle or regional security These folks could probably get by without you, people say concerns. and ask me why I keep going each week. I explain that it is only I never imagined that a random chat on Facebook while partially about the food; it is also about these veterans (my kids watching Netflix back home in America would change my life, call them “vitamins”) knowing that someone cares enough to but it has. I believe that if one is open to such moments, they show up each week. Many of them haven’t seen their children in can change the course of one’s life—perhaps briefly, or perhaps more than 20 years. Their wives are deceased. forever. This moment has already changed mine forever. Thanks I do not go with an agenda. I simply go because one sweet to Mr. Henderson “Savannah” Sims telling me he was hungry, I gentleman said he was hungry, and it isn’t right. These men sac- am doing something that heals my heart, renews my faith in the rificed for our country, and we owe them more respect than we generous spirit of Americans, and helps a piece of America in my give them. I cannot help them all, but for now Savannah, Leon- small corner of South Carolina. n

52 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL FEATURE

Effective Public Diplomacy LESSONS FROM TUK-TAM

Listen first, one retired PD practitioner he key to successful public diplomacy is advises. Here is his story of authentic engagement with citizens of a very successful program. the host country. Despite the prestige and prominence of our work in foreign coun- BY KEN MOSKOWITZ tries, our power and influence are often limited to persuasion or exhortation, and that is not always welcome. And though we may pay lip service to building relation- Tships and “successor-generation” programs, our short-term assignments not only tend to preclude long-term relationships, but also handicap the means to monitor results and effective- ness. Yet it is the deeper, longer-term programs and activities that are more likely to change opinions and bring new ideas to young participants. The International Visitor Leadership Program and Fulbright exchanges come immediately to mind, but not all long-term engagements are of the exchange variety. As public affairs officer (PAO) in Bulgaria from 2009 to 2012, I had the opportunity to work with young leaders on a unique project that continues to play a vital role in that country’s development— Tuk-Tam (translation: “Here-There”). The experience offers lessons that are relevant today.

Ken Moskowitz served in the Foreign Service for Serendipity 30 years. He holds a Ph.D. in theatre arts from the Soon after arriving in Sofia in the fall of 2009, during a cour- National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts in Sofia, tesy call to the rector of the American College of Sofia (a private Bulgaria, and is a former director of the Tokyo high school), I happened to read in the “class notes” section of the American Center. He is an adjunct professor of alumni magazine about the creation of an interesting nongovern- political science at Temple University’s Japan Campus. mental organization (NGO) by five recent graduates. The group

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 53 TUK-TAM Tuk-Tam’s U.S. Alumni Club meets at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Sofia in June 2019. would be dedicated to encouraging young Bulgarians to return their choosing to coordinate and advise on youth-oriented pro- from work or study in the United States or Western Europe and grams. I struggled to explain to Washington that such a Bulgar- to pursue their careers domestically. This seemed like a perfect ian youth council would be vacuous, given the existence already match for our outreach efforts, given that it could touch on of the homegrown and very promising Tuk-Tam organization. several key themes: engaging youth, offering career training, sharing American ideas and boosting the domestic economy of A Deeper Understanding: The Brain Drain a NATO ally. I worked intensively with Tuk-Tam throughout my three-year But there would be more. I soon learned that the new NGO, assignment. In fact, given the maturity and smarts of its lead- Tuk-Tam, had been trying to organize networking and job train- ers, they became my advisers and confidants not only on youth ing seminars, but their applications to the Bulgarian government issues, but on many of the problems plaguing the country. for funding had been turned down. I imagined that this was Thinking strategically, I asked myself what role a public due to their youth, inexperience and the absence of a record of affairs section with a modest program budget could play to responsible grants management. address Bulgaria’s biggest problems. We certainly didn’t have At that time, I had started working with the Bulgarian branch the resources to stop the environmental despoliation, energize of Junior Achievement, a job skills and entrepreneurship NGO a limp economy, correct the rampant government corruption or that was organizing a two-day seminar for high school pupils introduce genuine rule of law in the country. called Smart Start. I noticed that, despite a Roma minority of But what did seem a very important and worthwhile goal of more than 10 percent in Bulgaria, not one Roma had signed our youth programming was to slow the brain drain from Bul- up for the seminar. Working through a local colleague in the garia, the exodus of the best and brightest young people to better embassy, I quickly got two Roma girls registered, but later job opportunities overseas, which depletes a country’s intellec- learned that they felt uncomfortable at the seminar and did not tual capacity and entrepreneurial work force. This was exactly return the second day. the problem that Tuk-Tam was attacking in its own way. This is where Tuk-Tam came in. For the next two annual The extent of the damage from brain drain in Bulgaria and the iterations of Smart Start, I wrote a grant for the new NGO to find region is alarming, indeed. In a recent article for the Financial the Bulgarian high schools with the largest percentage of Roma Times, Ivan Krastev called depopulation Eastern Europe’s biggest pupils, to visit the schools with Junior Achievement representa- problem. He cites Andrej Plenkovic, the prime minister of Croa- tives and to introduce the seminar and encourage the pupils to tia, who called depopulation Europe’s “existential problem,” and apply to it. With the Tuk-Tam members’ remarkably savvy skills a United Nations estimate that, since the 1990s, Eastern Europe and hard work, we met our target of 10 percent participation by has lost about 6 percent of its population. This problem is greatly Roma pupils for the next two years. compounded by the departure of those with the most education At about the same time, the office of youth programs in State’s and best job skills. Bureau of Public Affairs and Public Diplomacy was urging all As the poorest member of the European Union, Bulgaria has PAOs to create “youth councils” composed of youth leaders of had the world’s fastest population decline by some measures.

54 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL A true “brain gain” organization, Tuk-Tam also encourages mentoring and volunteer service to the Bulgarian community.

Its population was about 9 million at the end of the 1980s, but I hope that Bulgaria has turned a corner. To the extent that it had fallen to fewer than 7 million in 2018. The United Nations it has, Tuk-Tam deserves great credit. At a time when the NGO Population Division has forecast that Bulgaria will lose 23 could not get even the most meager support from the government percent of its population by 2050. The two factors contributing of Bulgaria, our assistance to the leaders of this inspired and prac- to the shrinking population are low birth rates and massive tical initiative proved invaluable. And those we worked with have emigration. gone on to positions of leadership in business and in their society. But the migration statistics seem to be changing. According A decade later, in 2020, the Tuk-Tam Hive forum attracted close to Bulgaria’s National Statistics Institute, the number of expatri- to 3,200 people—with support from the Ministry of Labor and the ate Bulgarians choosing to return home is soaring. In 2016, more patronage of Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev. than 9,250 Bulgarians repatriated; in 2018, almost twice as many In retrospect, I consider my engagement with Tuk-Tam to be returned, 16,169. Unfortunately, the number of departing Bulgar- the most rewarding and important work of my career for two ians has not slackened, but rather continues to edge up. Accord- reasons. I have already stated one: This NGO attacks the brain ing to a Tuk-Tam representative interviewed on Dec. 12, 2019, drain eating away at poor countries’ skilled worker base. Second, by BTA, the Bulgarian news agency, Bulgaria needs more highly I feel American diplomats should help fight brain drain because, qualified recruits, and unemployment has reached historically ironically, we are partly to blame for it. Though little discussed, low levels. She also cited an increasing number of Bulgarians who significant numbers of the Fulbright alumni we have spon- see opportunities for a career and personal development in their sored—in addition to the private-scholarship grantees we advise own country. via our Education.usa centers—do not return to their home countries if they are from the relatively poor countries of Eastern Important and Rewarding Work Europe or the developing world. Could a bunch of college kids have played a role in this apparent demographic shift? Well, Tuk-Tam is no longer the Lessons Learned clubby dozen youths of my era in Bulgaria. It has expanded to 10 My experience with Tuk-Tam more than a decade ago holds full-time employees, opened an office in downtown Sofia and several lessons for today. One is for public affairs officers to wel- launched major projects of its own, in addition to disseminat- come overall thematic direction from Washington, but for State to ing positive information about Bulgaria via social media to an leave wide discretion to PAOs to create their own unique priorities estimated 200,000 Bulgarians, now the largest online community and programs. More specifically, PAOs should search for programs of Bulgarians around the world. and ideas that have roots in native soil, rather than just nominating Tuk-Tam’s projects include awarding 22 scholarships to date, local contacts to lead branches of worldwide programs created in based on fundraising totaling 210,000 Bulgarian Lev (about Washington, D.C., however successful or durable. $130,400) from more than 700 donors. It also continues to orga- Second, given the perennial shortage of resources, PAOs nize job fairs, helping 14,000 returnees and young people launch should choose mission-specific grantees carefully, and with an their careers. And branches of Tuk-Tam have opened in both the eye on the priority goals shared by Washington and the post. I United States, with 650 members, and Great Britain with 350. have learned that the only programs with substantial results and Tuk-Tam’s latest project is an online portal, Guide to Bulgaria, staying power are those based on goals that Washington approves launched last year partly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. of and that local partners or grantees are passionate about and It includes a section of job offerings, recently from 30 companies. fully committed to. Its Community section, intended as the centerpiece of the portal, Finally, Americans are often accused of preaching or lecturing helps members stay informed and engaged with others, and about “American exceptionalism,” our superior values or the bet- make professional contacts. A true “brain gain” organization, it ter ways we have of doing things. That charge will never stick if we also encourages mentoring and volunteer service to the Bulgarian listen first, and take our programming cues from promising local community. leaders, of whatever age, rank or experience. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 55 APPRECIATION A Truly Trustworthy Leader

George P. Shultz 1920-2020

BY STEVEN ALAN HONLEY

n December 1985, news broke that the Reagan George Shultz’s character. First, while he was a fully committed administration was planning to require State Cold Warrior, he instinctively understood that not every trade-off Department employees to take lie detector tests of liberty for security is warranted. Second, his background as to keep their security clearances. Expressing an economist led him to value data over theory, so he saw no “grave reservations” about the validity of poly- reason to trust polygraphs. graphs, Secretary of State George P. Shultz threat- Third, he was intensely loyal to his employees, and they ened to resign if the policy change went forward, trusted him to have their backs. Although he couched his calling it a sign that “I am not trusted.” protest in personal terms (“I am not trusted”), everyone knew President Ronald Reagan took that threat so there was no chance he would ever be asked to take a lie detec- seriously that, after meeting with Secretary Shultz, he declared tor test—let alone forced to do so to keep his job. But George Ithat he would leave it up to State Department officials to decide Shultz understood full well that his subordinates at State did whether to administer polygraphs. not enjoy that luxury, so he spoke out on their behalf—first Although that incident did not change the status quo, and through internal channels, then publicly. was soon forgotten by most people, it reveals much about For those reasons, and more, many Foreign Service members who served during Secretary Shultz’s tenure in Foggy Bottom Steven Alan Honley, a State Department Foreign Ser- (1982-1989) remember him fondly. (As far as I know, AFSA has vice officer from 1985 to 1997, and editor in chief of never surveyed its members as to the Secretary of State they The Foreign Service Journal from 2001 to 2014, is a believe was the best leader of the department, but I’m willing to regular contributor to the Journal. He is the author of bet Shultz would come in at or very near the top of such a list.) Future Forward: FSI at 70—A History of the Foreign A thoughtful institutionalist, he not only understood and valued Service Institute (Arlington Hall Press, 2017). the work of State and other foreign affairs agencies, but advo-

56 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL The Road to Foggy Bottom George Pratt Shultz was born in New York City on Dec. 13, 1920. He graduated from Princeton University in 1942 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving through 1945. He received a Ph.D. in industrial eco- nomics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1949. Shultz spent most of the next two decades in academia. He taught at MIT from 1948 to 1957, but took a year’s leave of absence in 1955 to serve as senior staff economist on Presi- dent Dwight Eisenhower’s Council of Economic Advisers. In 1957 he was appointed professor of industrial relations in the University of Chicago’s Graduate School of Business, and he became dean of the school in 1962. From 1968 to 1969, he was a fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, the beginning of a long asso- ciation with that institution. Shultz served in the administration of President Richard Nixon as Secretary of Labor from January 1969 to June 1970, at which time he was appointed director of the Office of Manage- ment and Budget. He became Secretary of the Treasury in May 1972, serving until May 1974. During that period, he also served as chairman of the Council on Economic Policy and chairman of the East-West Trade Policy Committee. In that capacity, Shultz traveled to Moscow in 1973 and negotiated a series of trade protocols with the Soviet Union. He also represented the cated for the resources and respect diplomats need and deserve. United States at the Tokyo meeting of the General Agreement In particular, he recognized the importance of professional edu- on Tariffs and Trade. cation for the Foreign Service. When introducing Shultz at the May In 1974 he again left government service to become presi- 2002 ceremony renaming the National Foreign Affairs Training dent and director of the Bechtel Group, where he remained Center as the George P. Shultz National Foreign Affairs Training until 1982. While at Bechtel, he maintained his close ties with Center, Secretary of State Colin Powell observed: “His is a name the academic world by joining the faculty of Stanford Univer- that the American people connect with selfless public service and sity on a part-time basis. solid integrity, a name that is synonymous with American states- From January 1981 until June 1982, when he was nomi- manship, a name that people all over the world recognize and nated to succeed Alexander Haig as Secretary of State, Shultz which they associate with principled international engagement.” was chairman of President Ronald Reagan’s Economic Policy Powell went on to note: “George Shultz is a student of history, Advisory Board. He was sworn in as the 60th U.S. Secretary of and he has made quite a bit of it himself. We have always known State on July 16, 1982, during a period of especially icy rela- George to be a man keenly focused on the future, especially on tions between the world’s two remaining superpowers, yet he preparing the rising generation for service to the country. ... It immediately began pushing for a broader dialogue between is not we who honor George Shultz by naming this center after the United States and the Soviet Union. him; rather, it is George Shultz who honors us and all who will When Mikhail Gorbachev became general secretary of the pass through these halls by lending his name to this facility.” Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1985, Shultz was con- Long before George Shultz died at his home in Stanford, Cali- vinced Gorbachev was a new type of leader—one who under- fornia, on Feb. 6 at the age of 100, he had validated Powell’s predic- stood the importance of nuclear arms control. “He helped tion. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, as well Reagan and Gorbachev to establish an upward spiral of trust as five children, 11 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. by creating positive experiences with each other,” historian

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 57 Secretary Shultz published several books and countless mono- George P. Shultz was a key player, graphs, articles and op-eds between 1953 and 2020, including a alongside President Ronald Reagan, best-selling memoir of his time in Foggy Bottom: Turmoil and in changing the direction of history by Triumph: My Years as Secretary of State (Scribner’s, 1993). In November 2020, The Foreign Service Journal’s cover using the tools of diplomacy to bring story was an essay by Secretary Shultz titled “On Trust,” later the Cold War to an end. excerpted in The Washington Post, The New York Times and —The Hoover Institution, Feb. 7, 2021. elsewhere. And in December, for his 100th birthday, the Hoover Institution published a related monograph by Shultz, “Life and Learning after One Hundred Years—Trust Is the Coin of the Realm: Reflections on Trust and Effective Relationships Stephan Kieninger wrote for the Hoover Institution at Stanford across a New Hinge of History.” University as part of the celebration of Shultz’s 100th birthday In the monograph, the former Secretary of State summa- in December. rizes the philosophy that animated his approach to interna- Those talks eventually led to the Intermediate-Range tional relations, both at State and beyond: “Genuine empathy Nuclear Forces Treaty, which banned land-launched nuclear helps to create sound relationships across countries, even weapons capable of reaching targets between 310 and 3,400 when cultures seem far apart and when times are tough. Our miles away. Reagan and Gorbachev signed the agreement in country will face fresh challenges in an emerging new world: 1987. By June 1991, the two countries had destroyed 2,692 new pandemics, new technologies, new weapons, environ- ballistic and cruise missiles. mental change, demographic change, and the ever-renewing There is no dispute that, as Stanford’s Hoover Institution charge to effectively govern over diversity. A shared under- said in announcing his death, “Shultz was a key player, along- standing, and a human connection, will help us navigate these side President Ronald Reagan, in changing the direction of unsettled waters.” history by using the tools of diplomacy to bring the Cold War On Feb. 10, Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van to an end.” He was able to “not only imagine things thought Hollen (D-Md.), co-chairs of the Senate Foreign Service Caucus, impossible but also to bring them to fruition, and forever introduced a resolution honoring Shultz’s life, achievements change the course of human events.” and legacy. “Statesmanship and service above self consistently As Secretary of State Antony Blinken observed in his own characterized the remarkable life of George P. Shultz,” said tribute on Feb. 7, his predecessor “not only negotiated landmark the senators. “Throughout his distinguished career, Secretary arms control agreements with the Soviet Union, but after leaving Shultz championed American diplomacy and strengthened office he continued to fight for a world free of nuclear weapons. its home institution—the Department of State—all in pursuit He also urged serious action on the climate crisis at a time when of a more peaceful, prosperous and cooperative world order. too few leaders took that position. He was a visionary.” Secretary Shultz’s example as a patriot and public servant will undoubtedly serve to inspire and guide future generations of After State American leaders.” n Returning to private life in January 1989, Shultz rejoined Stanford University as the Jack Steele Parker Professor of In honor of George P. Shultz, The Foreign Service International Economics at the Graduate School of Business. Journal invited members of the Foreign Service who He was also the Thomas W. and Susan B. Ford Distinguished knew and worked with the former Secretary of State Fellow at the Hoover Institution. to send us their remembrances. This living memorial is Awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civil- on the AFSA website at afsa.org/remembering-george- ian honor, on Jan. 19, 1989, he also received the Seoul Peace shultz. Prize (1992), the Eisenhower Medal for Leadership and Ser- For more articles on George P. Shultz from the FSJ vice (2001), the Reagan Distinguished American Award (2002) Archive, please visit our special collections page at and the American Foreign Service Association’s Lifetime afsa.org/fsj-special-collections. Contributions to American Diplomacy Award (2003).

58 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS THE OFFICIAL RECORD OF THE AMERICAN FOREIGN SERVICE ASSOCIATIONAFSA NEWS

AFSA Celebrates Win on Meritorious Service Increases CALENDAR

Please check The Foreign Service Labor FSLRB’s decision are those tive bargaining agreements www.afsa.org for the most up-to-date information. Relations Board ruled on who were identified as “... (i.e., the selection board All events are subject Jan. 19 in favor of granting demonstrating potential procedural precepts) with the to cancellation or payments to FSOs who were to serve at higher levels” in department. rescheduling. ranked by the 2015 and 2016 department cables announc- AFSA prevailed in the April 5 State Department selection ing the 2015 and 2016 promo- 2013 MSI dispute, and more Deadline: boards to receive Meritorious tion lists. than 550 individuals received 2021 High School Service Increases. AFSA is While the calculation of retroactive MSIs or adjust- Essay Contest extremely pleased with the back pay can be complicated ments to their annuities if decision. and time-consuming, we will retired. Unfortunately, while April 21 12-2 p.m. In a close vote, two mem- urge the department to move the Foreign Service Grievance AFSA Governing bers of the FSLRB ruled in forward expeditiously. As of Board ruled in AFSA’s favor in Board Meeting AFSA’s favor while the chair this writing, the department the 2014 dispute, the FSLRB of the board, appointed by has advised AFSA that it is reversed this decision. April 22 12 p.m. the previous administration, reviewing the FSLRB’s deci- For nearly 40 years the AFSA Virtual Book Notes: dissented. As there is no sion. department and AFSA have Tecumseh and the Prophet: appeal in this type of case, The 2015 and 2016 cases negotiated and agreed on the The Shawnee Brothers Who AFSA believes the depart- are the last of four implemen- procedural precepts (i.e., the Defied a Nation by retired ment is now legally required to tation disputes AFSA filed “ground rules” for selection FSO Peter Cozzens retroactively pay the 2015 and based on the department’s boards). The precepts include May 6 2016 MSIs, with interest, to decision not to award any provisions relating to the AFSA Foreign Service Day affected employees. MSIs, or to award a smaller award of MSIs to employees Virtual Programming Individuals who are percentage of MSIs than who were not promoted, but May 7 expected to benefit from the called for in AFSA’s collec- whose performance was of Virtual Foreign sufficient quality that an MSI Service Day was deemed appropriate by May 13 the selection boards. 12 p.m. For approximately 30 AFSA Governing Board years prior to 2013, MSIs were Election Town Hall paid to whatever number May 19 of employees the selection 12-2 p.m. boards recommended, up to AFSA Governing a percentage limitation of the Board Meeting competitive class specified in the precepts. Foreign Service Day AFSA’s Labor Management employees have received team has devoted hundreds of or are expected to receive a May 7, 2021 hours over the past six years permanent increase to their litigating MSI cases to make salaries, or to their annuities certain our members and all if retired. Please save the date for the annual Foreign Service employees get These are your AFSA dues AFSA Open House on Thursday, May 6. what is rightfully theirs. at work. As a result of AFSA’s If you have any questions See page 67 for more details. efforts in this dispute, more about this matter, please write than 1,000 Foreign Service AFSA at [email protected]. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 59 STATE VP VOICE | BY TOM YAZDGERDI AFSA NEWS

Contact: [email protected] | (202) 647-8160

Are Linked Assignments Worth It Anymore?

As many of you know, linking sent the handshakes. This Recently we have heard from a number an assignment after service member noted that all 75 of our members that the process appears at a Special Incentive Post— links were given away in a to be broken, and few are happy with it. Afghanistan, Iraq, Cuba and matter of minutes after they certain other tough places could be issued. to live and work—has been Another member, who a long-standing incentive to was ultimately successful bidders. in getting a link, expressed But as the years have misgivings about the pro- bidding process, especially What Is to Be Done? gone by and the number of cess, saying that a number with regard to the Bureau AFSA has continued to sup- SIP positions has decreased, of his link bids were not seri- of European and Eurasian port linked assignments by is the linked assignments ously considered. Affairs. According to 2020 negotiating with the depart- process still needed as an This member goes on to statistics, 40 percent of link ment on the number of such incentive? More to the point, say that bureaus deny link requests were made to EUR. assignments each year. is it a fair process? requests for reasons unre- That reduces possibilities The number has steadily In the most recent depart- lated to position require- for people who want to serve fallen in recent years, due ment survey on SIP incen- ments or, if they do provide in EUR but not through a particularly to the drawdown tives (May 2018), a majority such reasons, they are not linked assignment—such in positions in Iraq and of respondents felt linked credible. Some posts said as those coming from other Afghanistan. From a high of assignments provided incen- they wanted to wait for the hardship locations or in 220 links in 2009, 150 were tive to fill SIP posts and were normal assignments to see tandems. available in 2018 and 75 in good for the Foreign Service. who else might bid or that Diversity and Inclusion. the most recent bid cycle. But less than half believed they wanted to save the Anecdotal evidence sug- But with the problems the process was fair. jobs for people coming out gests that linked assign- and challenges identified That said, linked assign- of hardship locations within ments may undermine the above—which, to be fair, are ments took a distant third that bureau. department’s attempts to also largely associated with place (equal to “needs of This member also points promote diversity in hiring the regular assignments the Service”) when those out that the SIP link track- because the majority of process as a whole—should surveyed were asked their ing team is woefully under- those seeking links appear the department continue primary reason for bid- staffed, calling into question to be white and male. with this particular incen- ding on an SIP post. Career the department’s commit- To the extent that such tive? Or is there a possibility development and financial ment to honor its incentive data exists, AFSA has asked for reform? incentives were first and for SIP service. the department to provide a AFSA wants to hear what second, respectively. Are Links Seen as breakdown by gender, race you think about the linked Concerns from Mem- Entitlements? On the and other identifying infor- assignments process and bers. Recently we have other hand, there is the mation on who has sought other efforts to incentiv- heard from a number of our feeling that some bidders linked assignments, and ize service in high hardship members that the process have come to see links as who has been successful in locations. Please send your appears to be broken, and entitlements—that is, if an getting them. thoughts to member@afsa. few are happy with it. employee requests a link, In any event, the link pro- org. n Indeed, one member who that should be enough, and cess means that some jobs was unsuccessful in getting the bureau should have little are filled without the ability a link wrote us and said that right to evaluate the employ- to consider the full slate of a link bidder’s success this ee’s actual qualifications for eligible bidders, including year was “lottery-like,” and the position. those who for a variety of dependent on the order in There is also the con- reasons are unable to serve which bureaus manually cern that links distort the in a SIP location.

60 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL USAID VP VOICE | BY JASON SINGER AFSA NEWS

Contact: [email protected] | (202) 712-5267

Schedule F(SL)—Noncareer Hiring Takes a Toll

I have written here before vice Act of 1980, “is essential expense” (OE) funds used costs to the career Foreign about USAID’s overuse of in the national interest.” to hire career Foreign and Service in terms of positions, noncareer mechanisms, The FSL mechanism flies Civil Service employees. This training and career growth including Foreign Service in the face of this. Over time, unlocked resources, and the prospects that increase with Limited appointments. career FSO numbers have slippery slope of what was continued fragmentation of I’m writing again—not declined as FSLs have risen. considered a unique skill or USAID’s workforce. because I don’t value the In Fiscal Year 2016, FSLs an unforeseen circumstance Last but by no means work of dedicated profes- made up 12 percent of the became slicker. least are the human implica- sionals in FSL positions, but combined total of career FS Positions such as country tions of noncareer hiring. because the FSL mechanism and FSL employees. In FY desk officer and environ- FSL colleagues do not enjoy has (d)evolved to a point 2020, this had risen to more ment officer were declared the benefits or security that where its overuse under- than 17 percent. So nearly temporary, and the need for come with career positions, mines agency operations, one in six people appointed them unforeseen(!?). Even even though many are doing obfuscates use of tax dollars, at USAID under the Foreign “time-bound” became a similar work. They can be lowers morale and short- Service Act are serving in a fluid concept, as the agency terminated for an array of changes employees. “limited” noncareer capacity. granted four-year extensions reasons, such as “when the The FSL mechanism USAID policy on FSL to five-year appointments. need no longer exists for shares characteristics with appointments is relatively Nine years may be time- the employee’s service” or the previous administration’s clear if not always followed. bound, but that’s a long time! “for such other cause as will Schedule F proposal. It is past “Foreign Service Limited Issues involving account- promote the efficiency of the time to address these. (FSL) Appointments are ability, transparency and service.” There was considerable noncareer appointments “evidence-based (HR) This places FSLs in a pre- controversy around Execu- appropriate for overseas and policymaking” need to be carious position akin to those tive Order 13957, issued by Washington-based positions sorted out, perhaps by the envisioned under Schedule President Donald Trump last that require skills that are Government Accountability F—not a best practice, par- October. I haven’t encoun- unique and/or are required to Office. I have concerns that ticularly for a development tered anyone who supported address an urgent, unfore- the FSL mechanism may skirt agency. I can’t see USAID the proposal as written. seen, time-bound need for the merit-based, competitive proposing such an arrange- It envisioned converting development expertise,” requirement in the Foreign ment as part of any project! thousands of career Civil Ser- states chapter 414 of USAID’s Service Act; I haven’t seen The solution is to vice positions to the Schedule Automated Directive System. an FSL job advertised on strengthen USAID’s career F category, thereby removing FSL hiring may have been USAJobs.gov, but I have seen cadre—Foreign Service and competition requirements, appropriate at the begin- institutional contractors Civil Service. It is decades stripping protections and ning of the Afghanistan become FSL appointees. past time for agency and con- rendering jobholders more and Iraq crises, particularly There are also concerns gressional leaders to develop beholden to political agendas because USAID was then about whether the For- a new budget approach than to the rule of law. (and remains) short of eign Service Act is being based on need. President Joe Biden career FSOs. But later, USAID respected, and whether the A stronger, better quashed Schedule F soon started appointing FSLs agency may be undermining resourced and larger career after taking office, but the to noncombat areas and, its own institutional strength Foreign Service, reinforced whole affair highlighted the increasingly, to Washington. by choosing noncareer staff. by a similarly reinvigorated value and necessity of a Next, USAID requested The agency needs to career Civil Service, should competitive, merit-based, and received congressional rebuild the career Foreign be a primary goal for the new nonpartisan career bureau- approval to use “program Service and wean itself off administration. cracy, particularly a Foreign funds” to hire FSLs instead its dependency on “limited” If accomplished, the Service, which, as Congress of being limited to the arrangements. legacy would get an “A”—not specifies in the Foreign Ser- relatively scarce “operating There are opportunity an “F”—from me. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 61 FCS VP VOICE | BY JAY CARREIRO AFSA NEWS

Views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the AFSA USAID VP. Contact: [email protected]

Our Biggest Untapped Resource

In my January-February col- Over the past decade, Unencumbered by the restrictions of umn, I touched on the idea our numbers have shrunk their former positions in government, of working more with our by more than 10 percent, our alumni—as members of the public, vibrant alumni community. mainly due to attrition. A few of my now retired col- Many senior officers have the corporate world, or even as political leagues saw the piece, and gone on to noteworthy constituents—can be forceful and one, Jim McCarthy, decided careers in the private effective advocates for the “best kept to contact me and make a sector, while others have secret in government.” contribution to this space. gotten into politics or even He has great ideas and, like returned to government in almost all our retirees, would some other capacity. like to give something back. Still, regardless of the Here’s what Jim and I next stage in life, these “best kept secret in govern- ticularly in the Washington, have put together for your retired officers bring with ment.” D.C., area. Further connec- consideration. We would love them an immense amount In addition, for the Com- tions can easily be made to to hear more from you. of knowledge and interna- mercial Service itself, they those across the country, To start with, we have tional experience—some- can be sounding boards from Washington, D.C., to all heard the jest that the thing that should not so for new ideas in the area of Washington state. Commercial Service is the easily be let go. trade promotion, or as men- It’s time to finally tap “best kept secret in the One thing that still tors to new and midcareer this important resource, get U.S. government.” It’s the puzzles many of us is the active-duty officers. Their active and engaged, and unfortunate outcome for a fact that the Commercial experiences can, and prob- allow our best experts to small, but highly successful Service does not do any sort ably should, be preserved showcase that expertise for business unit that gets only of exit interview when an in some form for the next the benefit our organization, scattered attention from its officer retires. generation to learn from and which contributes so much very large parent agency, the There is no effort to for the sake of the historical to the U.S. economy and still U.S. Department of Com- gather their experiences and record of the Commercial has much more to offer. merce. advice, little or no acknowl- Service. Finally, I want to call your Of course, the 33,000- edgment of their contribu- These are just a few of attention to an excellent plus clients that we serve tions to the U.S. government many ideas, just the start of piece written by my col- know differently, and as as they leave and, perhaps what can be done. league Aileen Nandi on page commercial officers, it gives most importantly, no So, how to begin? It’s 31 of this month’s issue. us a great deal of pride to be attempt to maintain contact simple. Senior leadership It talks about the pivot to on the receiving end of their with retirees who would in the Commercial Service virtual services and how praise and appreciation for certainly have more to con- need to endorse and initiate the Commercial Service what we do. tribute to the Commercial a formal program for reem- has stepped up for our Service if called on. ployed annuitants. clients during this past year, A Good Story to Tell despite significant economic The basic point is that More to Contribute Foster Alumi Groups headwinds. I encourage you we have always had a good Unencumbered by the The Office of Foreign Ser- to give it a read! n story to tell, but we rely on restrictions of their former vice Human Capital should others to tell it. That works positions in government, our also designate someone, to a point, but we can do alumni—as members of the full- or part-time, to con- better. Our stakeholders public, the corporate world, nect with the FCS alumni should also be hearing from or even as political constitu- community. The good news those who have been there ents—can be forceful and is that several small alumni and lived it—our alumni. effective advocates for the groups already exist, par-

62 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

AFSA President Meets with Members in Virtual Town Halls

thirds male, much less diverse other unions and held a meet- than when he joined the ing with them just three days Service in 1985, Amb. Rubin into office, a strong sign of said. “I’m confident that we’ll support from the new admin- see some change in those istration and that AFSA’s numbers.” opinion will be sought and In partnership with three respected by State leadership. Rangel Fellows at Harvard’s AFSA State Vice President Kennedy School, AFSA Tom Yazdgerdi added that on recently surveyed its mem- the macro level, AFSA deals bers about retention issues. with important issues such as Harvard will also sponsor advocating for greater infor- AFSA/CAMERON WOODWORTH AFSA/CAMERON AFSA President Eric Rubin speaks on Feb. 16 during an AFSA town hall focus groups on the issue. mation about COVID-19 vac- Zoom meeting with members serving in Europe. Amb. Rubin noted that the cine distribution by the State United States now has the Department and pushing for AFSA President Eric Rubin and I say that in a nonparti- second-largest diplomatic meritorious service increases and AFSA constituent san way,” Amb. Rubin said, service in the world, trailing (see story on page 59). agency vice presidents held noting in particular the first China. “Ever since World War He also noted that AFSA’s a series of seven virtual town impeachment of former II, we were the foremost diplo- Labor Management office halls for AFSA members in President Donald Trump, matic power,” he said, adding fields dozens of queries from different regions in the world which involved testimony that AFSA wants to see the members each day on a wide in February. by many Foreign Service Foreign Service expanded and variety of issues. “We are At the first, on Feb. 16, employees, and the COVID- more Foreign Service officers happy to be your advocate,” Ambassador Rubin told an 19 pandemic. posted overseas. he said. audience of more than 50 Foreign Service employ- He noted that Secretary AFSA welcomes input on AFSA members serving in ees were pushed out of the of State Antony Blinken had issues of concern to members Europe that the association policy process by the previ- reached out to AFSA and at [email protected]. n greatly appreciates all the ous administration, but Amb. input it is receiving from its Rubin said he hopes the State members, including the more Department will be able to AFSA Governing than 80 responses The For- play a stronger role in that eign Service Journal received process now. Board Meeting, for its March “Notes to the “We take it as a given that Feb. 17, 2021 New Administration” feature. a lot needs changing in the With a new administration Foreign Service,” he said. Legal Defense Fund: The Governing Board in place, we are in “a moment AFSA is focused on approved changes to the Standard Operating Pro- of possibility” where change contributing ideas on how to cedures for the Legal Defense Fund. The board also can happen, he said. The advance diversity in the for- approved moving LDF funds into a new and separate leadership of all the foreign eign affairs agencies, he said. bank account with Bank of America Merrill Lynch. affairs agencies AFSA repre- Hiring and retention will Associate Members: The Governing Board sents “are interested in what also be areas of focus, he approved the applications of two new associate we have to say,” and there is added, noting that the Foreign members. enhanced interest in Foreign Service needs to double the Vice President Resignation: The Governing Board Service issues in Congress. hiring of new employees to approved the resignation of Foreign Agriculture “I’m very aware of how keep up with attrition. Service Vice President Michael Riedel and agreed difficult the past four years The Senior Foreign Service to seek an interim FAS VP to finish out his term.n have been for many of us, is 87 percent white and two-

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 63 AFSA NEWS

State Med Director Briefs AFSA Members on Slow Vaccine Rollout

from Foreign Service direct little bigger at 33,000 doses, what State’s plans are for hires and family members he said. The department people who are moving to a to contractors and locally sent vaccines to 28 posts in new post in the upcoming employed staff. western Africa, which he said summer transfer season. But two days before the is one of the most medically He explained that if you vaccines were supposed to underserved regions in the are traveling overseas in a arrive, in early December, world. Embassy Mexico City couple of months and you officials told State’s Bureau also received vaccines, since have your orders, MED will of Medical Services that they it has some of the highest contact your new post to would receive only 16,500— coronavirus numbers, and see what their supply is. You or five percent—of the vac- six local staff members there will either be vaccinated at cines in the first batch. “And had died from COVID-19 as that post, or MED will try to we had to make some tough of early February. vaccinate you in Washing-

AFSA/CAMERON WOODWORTH AFSA/CAMERON decisions,” Dr. Padget said. As of Feb. 2, 42 locally ton, D.C., if it has sufficient The State Department’s Chief State MED makes data- employed staff at U.S. embas- supplies, he said. Medical Officer Dr. Larry Padget sies and consulates world- discusses the department’s rollout driven recommendations Another member asked of COVID-19 vaccines with AFSA on vaccine allocation to the wide had died from COVID-19, who is responsible for USAID members during a Feb. 2 Zoom under secretary for manage- Dr. Padget said. Secretary of and other foreign affairs event. ment, who makes the final State Antony Blinken said in agencies locally in Wash- decision on distribution, he January that five American ington, D.C. Dr. Padget said In a Feb. 2 Zoom call arranged said. State Department employees there is considerable con- by AFSA, State Department State allocated doses in have died from COVID-19. cern among officials about Chief Medical Officer Larry the first tranche to embassy Several passport agen- the issue: “Who’s responsible Padget addressed concerns personnel in Kabul, Baghdad cies in the United States for the five [other] foreign about the slow vaccine rollout and Mogadishu, since those also received vaccines from affairs agencies? It’s not for to employees and their fami- cities had large COVID-19 the second tranche because me to decide that, but we are lies. More than 900 people outbreaks, he said. employees there were working toward a resolution.” participated in the call. Also receiving vaccines required to go to work in their Dr. Padget said he hopes Last July, Dr. Padget from that first tranche were offices, he said. that by late spring or early explained, U.S. Department of frontline workers such as MED received 26,400 summer, the department will Health and Human Services State MED employees and doses in the third tranche. be able to “get a lot more officials told the department department cleaning staff, State distributed those vaccines out.” that it would receive 270,000 and Diplomatic Security staff vaccines to southern and He also cautioned that COVID-19 vaccine doses who were working on the Jan. eastern Africa, because many “we don’t have anywhere as part of Operation Warp 20 inauguration of President of those posts are in cities near herd immunity” against Speed, and State officials Joe Biden. in the top 10 or 20 percent COVID-19. Even people made a plan to rapidly deploy As of early February, the of cases worldwide, as well who have been vaccinated the vaccine overseas. department had received less as to Beirut and Tunis. State should continue to follow “We felt very confident than 25 percent of the total also increased the number of Centers for Disease Control that we’d be able get all the allotment. So far, MED has vaccines offered to the local and Prevention guidelines vaccines out around the received small tranches of workforce in Washington, on self-quarantining after world within two weeks,” vaccines on a monthly basis, D.C., and New York. international travel, social he said, adding that the Dr. Padget said. Dr. Padget fielded several distancing, washing hands department wants to pro- The second tranche of questions from AFSA mem- and wearing masks, Padget vide vaccines to everyone vaccines, in January, was a bers. One participant asked advised. n

64 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

AFSA Seeks Award Nominations for 2021

Exemplary those at the early to mid Performance Awards career level, serving domesti- We also invite nominations cally or overseas. The award for exemplary performance recognizes the promotion of awards. These awards are American policies to advance meant to highlight the profes- democracy, freedom and sionalism and spirit of service governance through bold, and volunteerism within the imaginative and effective Foreign Service community. efforts during one or more These awards honor com- assignments. munity liaison officers, office Note that we accept management specialists and awards nominations all year, family members for their but the deadline for 2021 is important contributions at Monday, May 17. Anyone may

JOAQUIN SOSA JOAQUIN work, at home and in the send in a nomination; self- The AFSA Constructive Dissent trophies. community at large. nominations are also accepted • The Nelson B. Delavan for performance awards. Award recognizes the work AFSA is grateful to AFSA seeks to highlight restricted to, employees of a Foreign Service office the many individuals and achievement, performance, who make use of the Dissent management specialist organizations that make our courage and sacrifice Channel. who has made a significant awards and honors programs within the Foreign Service These awards are unique contribution to post or office possible through their gener- community. Our awards within the federal gov- effectiveness and morale, ous support. Our thanks program began in 1968 and ernment and remain the both within as well as beyond to the Delavan Foundation, has continued to expand to lynchpin of AFSA’s awards the framework of her or his the Ambassador William R. recognize the work of our program. There is no job responsibilities. Rivkin family, the Avis Bohlen colleagues. We are proud to democracy without dissent, • The M. Juanita Guess family, Dr. Sushma Palmer be able to spotlight the best and the U.S. Foreign Service Award recognizes a com- and Clements Worldwide. We of our community. must remain a leader in the munity liaison officer who has deeply appreciate their dedi- encouragement of respect- demonstrated outstanding cation to the Foreign Service Constructive ful yet provocative construc- leadership, dedication, initia- community. Dissent Awards tive dissent. tive or imagination in assist- All of AFSA’s awards AFSA’s Constructive We welcome nominations ing the families of Americans programs, as well the AFSA Dissent Awards recognize for the four constructive dis- serving at an overseas post. memorial plaques, are Foreign Service members sent awards: • The Avis Bohlen Award administered by Awards and who work within the system • The W. Averell Harri- honors a Foreign Service fam- Scholarships Manager Theo to change policy and perfor- man Award for entry-level ily member whose volunteer Horn. Contact him at horn@ mance for the better. Such Foreign Service officers. work with the American and afsa.org, and visit www.afsa. dissent may be made in any • The William R. Rivkin foreign communities at post org/awards for more informa- nonpublic channel including Award for midlevel Foreign has resulted in advancing the tion. meetings, emails to superi- Service officers. interests of the United States. AFSA’s Awards and ors, memoranda, telegrams • The Christian A. • The Mark Palmer Award Plaques Committee has insti- or via the State Depart- Herter Award for Senior for the Advancement of tutional oversight over these ment’s formal Dissent Chan- Foreign Service officers. Democracy is bestowed on a programs and has primary nel. Thus, AFSA’s Construc- • The F. Allen ‘Tex’ member of the Foreign Ser- responsibility for the recom- tive Dissent Awards may Harris Award for Foreign vice from any of the foreign mendation of award recipi- be given to, but are not Service specialists. affairs agencies, especially ents and plaque honorees. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 65 AFSA NEWS

AFSA Welcomes New Hires to the Foreign Service

AFSA welcomed 161 members of the State Department Foreign Service Orientation 159-205 class of gener- alists and specialists to the Foreign Service in a Zoom call on Feb. 8. AFSA President Eric Rubin hosted the call and discussed the many benefits AFSA offers to members. Also sharing their views on AFSA membership were AFSA Governing Board members Tom Yazdgerdi, Tamir Waser, Virginia Ben- nett, Kristin Michelle WOODWORTH AFSA/CAMERON AFSA greeted members of the FS Orientation 159-205 class in a Zoom call on Feb. 8. Roberts, Carson Relitz Rocker, Jason Snyder and Joshua Archibald, construction engineers; two ers, students, engineers, served as extras in TV shows as well AFSA staff members human resource officers; two law enforcement personnel, either in the United States Christine Miele, Julie Nutter medical providers; two secu- researchers and medical or abroad (including Zambia and Dolores Brown. rity technical specialists; an providers. Ninety-three and South Korea); circum- The FS Orientation 159- information management members of the class have navigated the globe on a 205 class comprises 79 technical specialist and a postgraduate degrees, and ship; traveled to more than Foreign Service generalists regional public engagement most worked, studied or 50 countries; led former and 82 specialists. specialist. volunteered abroad. Secretary of State John Among the generalists, The class includes four Class members speak the Kerry to Narnia; and climbed 44 are in the consular career Pickering Fellows, 47 for- “big six” languages of the all sorts of mountains (from track (still widely known mer members of the U.S. United Nations, as well as Kilimanjaro to Macchu as cone); 11 in the political armed forces and 44 former 25 other languages: Alba- Pichu). Many enjoy hiking in track; 10 in the management employees and contractors nian, German, Pashto, national parks or backpack- track; seven in the economic with other U.S. government Mongolian, Japanese, Urdu, ing (and eating food) abroad, track; and seven in the pub- agencies. Ninety-five class Korean, Lao, Italian, Czech, while others are culinary lic diplomacy track. members worked for the Kinyarwanda, Vietnamese, adventurers who make their Among the specialists State Department in some Polish, Bahasa-Indonesian, own bacon, hot sauces and are 45 Diplomatic Security capacity before joining this Swedish, Nepali, Tagalog, honey. special agent candidates; orientation class. Thai, Hebrew, Bulgarian, AFSA looks forward to eight facility managers; eight Those coming from the Bambara, Greek, Farsi, Hun- hosting in-person lunches information management private sector have worked garian and Georgian. again for incoming classes specialists; eight office man- as analysts, consultants, Members of the class at our Washington, D.C., agement specialists; three attorneys, ballet instructors, have also performed at the headquarters as soon as it is general services officers; two real estate agents, teach- 2000 Sydney Olympics: safe to do so. n

66 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

Save the Date Foreign Service Day Virtual Events

This year, Foreign Service Inside Diplomacy is Speaking of speaking, keep up the great Day will fall on Friday, May geared toward a more tradi- work on the New Year Outreach Challenge! 7. As has become tradition, tional foreign affairs audi- AFSA will host a full day ence. Liz Schrayer, president of programming the day and CEO of the U.S. Global before, on May 6. Because Leadership Coalition, was of the ongoing restrictions our inaugural guest on On Feb. 10, AFSA Presi- roster by emailing Nadja due to the pandemic, AFSA’s March 11. dent Eric Rubin appeared Ruzica, AFSA’s manager programing will be virtual. Diplomats at Work is on the MediaFile student of outreach and strategic As a part of the com- focused on introducing podcast, Long Time No See. communications, at ruzica@ memoration, we will again younger audiences to the Ambassador Rubin joined afsa.org. encourage members to send Foreign Service. This centers Ambassador (ret.) Marc Speaking of speaking, keep up the great work on the New Year Outreach Chal- lenge! We look forward to hearing from you by Foreign Service Day about your engagement with your local community colleges and local organizations. As a reminder, many letters to the editors of their on compelling stories that Grossman to discuss the resources, from videos local papers to raise aware- illustrate the work of the future of the Foreign Service to talking points, can be ness. Foreign Service in a very tan- after four years of a “hol- found at afsa.org/first-line- We are also crafting a gible way for new audiences. lowing out” of the State defense. It’s a great place social media campaign for If you missed these Department. to start as you consider any members to help spread the events, you can find the Ambassadors Rubin and opportunities to spread the word about the work and recordings at afsa.org/ Grossman gave a rundown word. value of the Foreign Service. first-line-defense. on how the Foreign Service As always, if you have AFSA members will receive At this writing, we are got to this point, what prob- any questions, please more information about planning for May and June lems within the Service pre- contact [email protected]. all of these initiatives this events for both of these new date the Trump years, and And don’t forget to follow us month. series. what needs to be done going on social media and share Members interested in We continue working forward. Visit the podcast at information on latest pod- receiving information about with the American Diplo- bit.ly/mediafile-fs. casts and events with your what is happening at the mat podcast to bring the We are seeking more community. n State Department for Foreign reality of what diplomats messengers. As the result Service Day 2021 should do to the public’s attention. of our outreach campaign email foreignaffairsday@ Every Thursday, you can to community colleges and state.gov. catch new episodes featur- local organizations, we have Outreach News. We ing retired and active-duty seen an uptick in virtual have been busy this spring Foreign Service members. speaker requests to AFSA. in AFSA’s outreach depart- To listen, go to amdipstories. If you are interested in these ment. In March, we rolled org, or subscribe wherever speaking opportunities, out two new speaker series. you get your podcasts. please join the messenger

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 67 AFSA NEWS

AFSA Webinar: Reviewing Your Retirement Plan

AFSA hosted a webinar, to know, how to best review to Avoid,” on page 70 in the “Reviewing Your Retirement your Thrift Savings Plan special Retirement Supple- Plan,” with AFSA’s Retiree allocations and estate plan, ment. Vice President John Naland and when to launch Social You can also visit AFSA’s on Jan. 27. It was the first of Security and reemployment one-stop shop for retire- AFSA’s 2021 Federal Ben- rules, among other topics. ment information at afsa. efits Speaker Series. Members can view a org/retirement-services. Naland, a former direc- recording of the webinar at The webpage features mid- tor of the State Depart- afsa.org/videos. Whether career and pre-retirement ment’s Office of Retirement, you have been retired for a checklists and other tools walked participants through few months or many years, for retirement planning, as a number of topics related it is worthwhile to assess well as extensive resources to retirement: reviewing whether or not you need to for retirees. n and updating your annuity make any course correc- AFSA Retiree Vice President John records, keeping benefi- tions. Naland spoke with AFSA members ciary designations updated, See also Naland’s article, about retirement planning during a Zoom webinar on Jan. 27. what your survivors need “Twelve Retirement Pitfalls

USAID Seeks Assignment and Career Counselors

USAID seeks to hire assign- and bidding process (formal ment and career counselors and informal); the perfor- (ACCs), preferably FSO retir- mance and evaluation coun- ees at the FS-01 or senior lev- seling interaction with tenure els, with skills in the following and performance boards, backstop areas: agriculture; coaching and mentoring of private enterprise; health; new FSOs hired under the will review and comment Demonstrated senior level education; economics; envi- C3 initiative; and, interacting on changes in the ADS that expertise in the development ronment; crisis, stabilization with FSOs requiring excep- would affect FSOs in the field and interpretation of human and governance; engineering; tions and special attention. and in USAID/W. resource policies related to program/project develop- ACCs will be required to the Foreign Service. ment; financial management; understand and support Education and/or Strong interpersonal and procurement; executive man- personnel policies found in Experience teamwork skills. agement; and legal advisors. ADS 400 Series and all other Master’s degree Must have authorization ACCs will provide assign- executive and administrative 5 years of experience to work in the United States ment and career develop- directions and regulations as defined by the Immigration ment counseling services so that they can provide Qualifications and Reform Act of 1986. to FSOs throughout their accurate information to their Requirements Must be able to obtain careers. They will be the FSO clients. They will provide In depth knowledge of the and maintain USAID Facility point of contact for informa- recommendations to the full range of human resource Access. tion and guidance on annual Policy and Programs Infor- management regulations, If interested, please apply performance evaluations mation Management Division policies, systems, and via the following links: (AEF), the process of obtain- (PPIM) on proposed policies procedures as related to the http://bit.ly/usaid-acc1 ing tenure, the assignment that would affect FSOs. They Foreign Service. http://bit.ly/usaid-acc2 n

68 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL AFSA NEWS

APHIS OFFERS FOREIGN SERVICE FELLOWSHIP

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is funding a new Foreign Service Fellowship Program to attract and prepare outstanding individuals for Foreign Service NEWS BRIEF careers with APHIS. Based on the fundamental principle that diversity is a strength in U.S. engagement with the world, the program welcomes applications from members of minority groups historically underrep- resented in USDA, women and those with financial need. The program provides graduate fellowships to qualified individuals who will be attending Tuske- gee University in the 2021-2022 academic year and matriculating in either the agriculture or vet- erinary sciences/medicine programs, and who are committed to joining the APHIS Foreign Service. The fellowships provide financial support for graduate studies at Tuskegee University in Ala- bama, two summer internships (one domestic and one overseas), mentoring from a Foreign Service officer and professional development activities. Howard University in Washington, D.C., admin- isters the APHIS Foreign Service Fellowship Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. APHIS is the lead U.S. government agency that keeps American agriculture healthy. APHIS comprises more than 8,000 employees across the United States and around the world, working together to secure the future of American agricul- ture. APHIS FSOs protect and expands the integrity of American agriculture. They find solutions to complicated issues, such as collaborating with local ministry and international organizations to eradicate a medfly infestation in the Dominican Republic; collaborating with animal health authori- ties overseas to combat transboundary animal diseases; ensuring that avocados from Colombia are safe to import into the United States; releasing California cherries to India; and much more. Please visit http://afsfprogram.org for more information. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 69 RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

12 Retirement Pitfalls to Avoid What to do and what not to do when planning for life post-career.

BY JOHN K. NALAND

uring my service as For Everyone non-TSP forms to [email protected], director of the State 1. Beneficiary Designations. There are except that retirees must send updated Department’s Office sad cases every year of benefits not going FEGLI beneficiary forms to the Office of of Retirement, I spent to the immediate next of kin because Personnel Management as explained on a lot of time assisting the employee or annuitant neglected to the form. employees and retir- update their beneficiary designations 2. TSP and Other Investments. Over ees who were facing after marriage, divorce or other relation- the past 25 years, inflation has cut the Dthe delay or denial of some federal benefit ship change. Federal survivor benefits purchasing power of each dollar in half. due to their own failure to take necessary are paid to whomever is designated on If you or your survivor anticipate draw- actions. While there is no need for you to beneficiary designation forms, even if ing on your TSP savings or other invest- spend weekends studying the Foreign Ser- there are different instructions in the ments such as IRAs and mutual funds vice Act and the Foreign Affairs Manual, person’s will. The forms are TSP-3 (Thrift several decades from now, most experts you do owe it to yourself and your family Savings Plan), SF-1152 (unpaid compen- recommend investing in funds contain- to do due diligence in key areas. Below sation for employees), DS-5002 (unpaid ing more stocks than bonds to increase are a dozen common retirement benefits annuity for retirees) and SF-2823 (Fed- your chances of generating long-term pitfalls and how to avoid them. eral Employees’ Government Life Insur- rates of return that outpace inflation. ance, or FEGLI). From time to time, you should John K. Naland served in the Employees and retirees who need to review the stocks-versus-bonds bal- Foreign Service for 29 years, revise their TSP-3 should send it to TSP ance in your investments to make sure including as director of the as explained on the form. Employees the balance is appropriate for your Office of Retirement. In the needing to update other forms should investment timeline and risk tolerance. five years since retiring, he submit them to their agency’s human Consider talking with a financial adviser has facilitated retirement planning seminars resources office (State employees to before making a major financial move. at the Foreign Service Institute. He is currently [email protected]). Foreign Service A list of financial and tax advisers who

serving as AFSA retiree vice president. retirees from all agencies should submit have assisted Foreign Service members ALEKSEEVA ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ALEKSANDRA

70 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL

RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

Abbreviations

ALDAC all diplomatic and consular posts FEGLI Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance is at www.afsa.org/financial-planners- For Active-Duty Employees FSPS Foreign Service Pension System tax-help-and-estate-planners. 4. Prior Service Credit. If you worked FSRDS Foreign Service 3. Estate Planning. Most Foreign Ser- elsewhere in the federal government Retirement and vice members and retirees have estate prior to joining the Foreign Service, the Disability System planning documents such as a will, service computation date listed in your (the “old” system) trust, power of attorney and/or medical records may be wrong for retirement HRSC Human Resources Service Center (at the directive. But if 10 or more years have purposes. The SCD that you have seen on Department of State) passed since your documents were writ- your SF-50s over the years (documenting IRA Individual Retirement ten, most estate planners suggest getting promotions, reassignments, etc.) is for Account an attorney to review them to determine leave purposes only. While employees JSP Job Search Program if they need updating due to changes get leave credit for almost any federal MRA minimum retirement age in your state’s laws or procedures. An employment, we get retirement credit PCS permanent change of immediate review is advised if you move only for certain employment. station to a different state, gain or lose a family If your retirement SCD is inaccurate RMD required minimum member, or have significant changes in when you apply for retirement, the State distribution SCD service computation assets. A list of estate planners who have Department’s Office of Retirement may date assisted Foreign Service members is at have to inform you that you are not yet TIC time in class www.afsa.org/financial-planners-tax- eligible to retire, or that your monthly TSP Thrift Savings Plan help-and-estate-planners. pension payment will be lower than

72 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL you expected. To avoid such bad news, State Department employees can see ALDAC cable 21 State 10876, “The register via the FSI intranet site. But if the Retirement Process: Retirement Credit training is in conjunction with a perma- for Prior Service,” posted at www.afsa. nent change of station (PCS) or home org/retirement-services. If applicable, take leave, then register via your career devel- action to add eligible service to, or remove opment officer (CDO). Non-State employ- ineligible service from, your retirement ees register via their agency’s human SCD. In some cases, processing by mul- resources office, which submits a funded tiple agencies is required, so you should SF-182 Request for Training to FSI. For initiate action at least several years before registration procedures for eligible family you plan to retire. members (EFMs), see https://fsitraining. 5. Divorce. Foreign Service ex-spouses state.gov/Search?q=RV, and then click on enjoy a default statutory entitlement to the course number. retirement benefits under the Foreign 7. Short-Career Retirement. While most Service Act if they meet certain require- Foreign Service members serve at least 20 ments. The default entitlements can be years before retiring, it is possible to retire altered through a court order or spousal after five to 19 years. If you are consider- agreement. The order or agreement, how- ing this, be aware that most such options ever, must include specific language to be come with substantial financial penalties. valid. Even many Washington, D.C.–area For example, most pensions based on divorce attorneys are unaware of this and less than 20 years of service are calcu- unknowingly draw up divorce paperwork lated at a 41 percent lower rate (1 percent that the State Department’s Office of instead of 1.7 percent per year of your Retirement cannot accept. high-3 salary, the average of your three An explanation of the rules is in ALDAC highest years of pay). Exceptions include cable 19 State 53266, “Divorce and Foreign FS-1s or above who TIC out (reach their Service Retirement Benefits,” at www.afsa. time-in-class limit) prior to attaining 20 org/retirement-services. If applicable, sub- years of service and employees with less mit divorce documentation to the Office of than 20 years of service who retire on the Retirement for review at least several years last day of the month in which they reach before you plan to retire. age 65. In the latter case, those employees 6. Retirement Planning. If you have should not retire via the FSI Job Search not taken any of FSI’s retirement plan- Program, because it ends before the last ning seminars, you owe it to yourself to day of the month. Also, retirements after do so. Watching in-depth presentations 10 to 19 years of service under mini- by subject matter experts may help you mum retirement age (MRA) provisions avoid major oversights in your retirement prior to age 62 are subject to substantial planning. As of this writing, the classes are reductions. To learn more, attend an FSI being presented online and are thus avail- retirement planning seminar or contact a able to employees anywhere in the world. retirement counselor at your agency. The courses are RV105 (2-day; early and mid-career) and RV101 (4-day; late career). For Retirees RV101 has two subcomponents that can be 8. Marital Changes. Post-retirement taken individually: RV103 (1-day; financial divorce, marriage or death of a spouse or planning and estates) and RV104 (1-day; former spouse are occasions to change annuity, TSP and Social Security). your survivor annuity election by remov-

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 73 RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

ing a former spouse or adding a new ment at https://RNet.state.gov under the print the checklist (perhaps on a brightly spouse. But you face a deadline to do so: “What’s New?” tab. It is also on the AFSA colored sheet of paper), show it to your one year for retirees in the “old” FSRDS website at www.afsa.org/retirement. next of kin, and leave it in a place where retirement system, and two years for 9. Survivor Benefits. If a Foreign they can easily find it if the need arises. those in the “new” FSPS system. If you Service employee dies, his or her agency 10. Keep Up-to-Date. Each November, miss the deadline, you forfeit the oppor- automatically initiates the process of the State Department’s Office of Retire- tunity to elect survivor benefits. authorizing survivor benefits. But when a ment posts an updated Annual Annuitant In addition, you likely will want to Foreign Service retiree dies, a next of kin Newsletter on https://RNet.state.gov update your beneficiary designations for must take the first step. Until that hap- under the “What’s New?” tab. You must life insurance, annuity and TSP savings pens, no benefits can be paid to survivors. access that newsletter if you need a form (see details earlier in this article). You may Because our family members often are to change your health insurance during also wish to adjust your Federal Employ- unfamiliar with offices and functions in open season or to file an annual earn- ees Health Benefits election. Therefore, Foreign Service agencies, AFSA created ings statement if you receive the annuity you should promptly report post-retire- a list of steps to take in the event of the supplement. But all retirees should at least ment marital changes to the Human death of a Foreign Service retiree. The skim through the newsletter to make sure Resources Service Center. For more checklist is in the 2021 AFSA Directory of you are aware of important rules and pro- information, see the 2021 Foreign Service Retired Members (pages 23 and 24), and it cedures governing your federal benefits. Annual Annuitant Newsletter published is also posted at www.afsa.org/retirement. In addition, the 2021 AFSA Directory of by the State Department’s Office of Retire- We suggest that retirees download and Retired Members has 25 pages of guidance

74 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL

RETIREMENT SUPPLEMENT

on retiree issues. A larger collection of fact sheets, guides and videos is on the AFSA Retirement Services webpage at www.afsa. org/retirement-services. 11. Age Milestones. Are you approach- ing age 62 and need to decide when to file for Social Security? Are you approaching 65 and need to decide whether to sign up for Medicare Part B (note that there are stiff financial penalties for signing up late)? Are you approaching 72 and need to figure out what to do about required mini- mum distributions (RMDs) from your investments? AFSA’s Retirement Services webpage has information on all these topics, including videos of presentations at AFSA by experts on Social Security, Medicare Part B and TSP. 12. AFSA Membership. The final poten- tial pitfall is letting your AFSA member- ship lapse. Membership qualifies you to be assisted by AFSA’s Retirement Benefits Counselor Dolores Brown (brown@afsa. org) if you have questions or concerns about retirement benefits. Your dues help AFSA defend both the active-duty Foreign Service and the earned retirement ben- efits of Foreign Service annuitants. If your membership depends on you writing a check each year, please switch from paper billing to paying dues via annu- ity deduction. Switching will ensure that your membership does not inadvertently lapse due to lost or unnoticed mail. Con- tact [email protected] to make the switch. If you have colleagues who are not AFSA members, please urge them to join. Whether they elected not to join at the start of their career or resigned years ago for some transient reason, AFSA needs them now to boost our strength. The benefits of membership are detailed at www.afsa.org/membership, which includes a link to join online. n

76 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 77 BOOKS

A Realist’s Call to Action dered if we do not consolidate manifest desire to dive into our gains before the vicissi- the work, no matter where Why Nation-Building Matters: tudes of geopolitical competi- it leads, make readers Political Consolidation, Building tion result in permanent losses feel they are shadowing Security Forces, and Economic for U.S. interests. a Foreign Service officer Development in Failed and Fragile States I label this a realist’s call to throughout his adventur- Keith W. Mines, Potomac Books action, not because the author ous career. (an imprint of University of Nebraska offers a full-throated defense This book is likely to be Press), 2020, $40.00/paperback, of realism’s theories of inter- popular among a variety e-book available, 402 pages. national relations, but because of influential communi- Mines’ argument about how to ties within the interna- Reviewed by Michael M. McCarthy unleash the hidden strengths tional affairs profession, of U.S. foreign policy emerges from an a few of which immediately come to Why Nation-Building Matters is a special honest practitioner’s account of what mind. Since the book takes on the tough piece of research in which the author suc- plans have worked and what plans have issues of nation-building in a nonpoliti- cessfully combines independent thinking not worked. cized manner, professors and students at with a profound sense of mission to drive In this respect, John Dewey’s “learn- international affairs schools may find it home a controversial argument: We need ing by doing” is a key theme throughout. a perfect addition to courses examining to make nation-building a cornerstone of Tacitly, Mines appeals to the power of the intersection between the theory and U.S. foreign policy. experiential learning as the driving force practice of international affairs. Marking a refreshing change from that can help the United States progres- The military is another community doctrine-driven visions of foreign policy, sively accumulate knowledge about that may want to add Why Nation- Keith Mines, a recently retired diplomat nation-building and eventually succeed Building Matters to its must-read list. now directing the Latin America Program as a nation-builder. The book’s subplot is an examination at the United States Institute of Peace, Part of what makes this book such a of the relationships between military arrives at his conclusion about the need good read is that it is a deeply personal force, elite-level political negotiation and to rescope U.S. foreign policy while stay- account. Mines weaves together his expe- community building, a trio of factors that ing grounded in a series of constructive rience in conflict zones as both soldier military leaders often bring into action as criticisms about it. and peacemaker, at the tables of high- they carry out their missions in times of This pragmatic approach helps Mines stakes negotiations, and in the office car- peace and war. find a balance between promoting big rying out ordinary diplomatic business. And finally, though Foreign Service ideas and examining the nitty-gritty This engaging account convinces readers officers may not need exposure to more implementation challenges that invari- it would have been a joy accompanying stories from the field, they are likely to ably crop up in the field. It is also one of the author for the ride. One narrative high profit from critical engagement with the reasons this book is likely to make a point is when he reflects on his highly an account that provides many lessons seminal contribution to debates on the formative time as a soldier in El Salvador learned from some of the biggest crises proper scope of U.S. foreign policy in the and Grenada, sections that read like pages faced by U.S. foreign policy leaders in the unfolding post-Trump, COVID-19 era. straight out of a diary. last four decades. Mines’ account does not proselytize, When Mines explains his personal but it does issue a call to action—to reflect commitment to finding fixes for situa- Michael M. McCarthy is founder and CEO on and see the challenge of nation-build- tions as dicey as Sudan, post-conflict of Caracas Wire LLC, a research advisory ing more clearly by reminding ourselves Iraq and Afghanistan, the account hits a firm specializing in comprehensive political that the United States has accomplished second narrative high point. The results risk analysis of the crisis in Venezuela, and more foreign nation institution building of such efforts may have fallen short of an adjunct professor of political science at than it often gives itself credit for, and that the author’s expectations, yet Mines’ pro- The George Washington University’s Elliott those accomplishments could be squan- fessed love for the craft of diplomacy and School of International Affairs.

78 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL Consequences of the national justice regime Krcmaric asks whether policymakers are Threat of Prosecution has, as its supporters aware of this contradiction and how it intended, deterred might affect their policy choices. The Justice Dilemma: atrocity crimes and Krcmaric’s justice dilemma usefully Leaders and Exile in an influenced the duration alerts policymakers to what I would call Era of Accountability of conflicts. an unintended, negative consequence of Daniel Krcmaric, Cornell University Press, To answer these ques- a well-intentioned policy. Policymakers 2020, $39.95/hardcover, e-book available, tions, Krcmaric examines decisions made who rely on international justice as an 240 pages. by “culpable” leaders—those with a his- atrocity-prevention tool can anticipate tory of responsibility for atrocity crimes— prolonged, though possibly less violent, Reviewed by Joyce E. Leader who were faced with judicial accountabil- civil conflicts, as foreshadowed by the ity instead of a comfortable life in exile. justice dilemma Krcmaric identifies. Preventing conflicts from escalating into Krcmaric takes the reader through his Accountability and fewer mass killings war crimes, crimes against humanity and research process that centers on three resulting from international justice should genocide has preoccupied policymakers, hypotheses about choices expected of cul- not need to be sacrificed because of the practitioners and researchers especially pable leaders in relation to exile, conflict risk of a negative downside. Instead, com- since the horrific genocides in Srebrenica duration and the onset of mass atrocity. plementary conflict-prevention policies and Rwanda in the early 1990s. Consider- He uses both a statistical analysis and a need to be developed to address and hold able soul-searching soon after—within case study to examine each hypothesis. in check the unintended consequences— governments, international organizations The former involves extensive back- prolonged civil conflicts—of well-inten- and nongovernmental aid groups—led to ground research (available online) to tioned international justice policies. new thinking about how to respond more arrive at the charts and tables included in In my book, From Hope to Horror, effectively in future situations of conflict the book. For the latter, he reviews deci- on the origins of the 1994 genocide in likely to escalate into mass atrocities. sions made by Charles Taylor of Liberia Rwanda, I write: “Finding effective ways One area of new thinking ushered in (exile), Muammar Gaddafi of Libya (con- to prevent mass atrocities and genocide is a system of international justice aimed at flict duration) and Blaise Compaoré of the unfinished business of our time.” Dan- worldwide accountability for perpetra- Burkina Faso (mass atrocity onset). iel Krcmaric’s book, a rigorous analysis of tors of atrocity crimes. International laws Krcmaric concludes that his research the effectiveness of international justice criminalized atrocities, and new institu- supports each of his hypotheses: First, on curbing mass atrocities and genocide, tions were created with global authority to the threat of international justice makes is a welcome addition to academic litera- adjudicate such crimes. the exile option less attractive to culpable ture on this issue. n The United Nations set up tribunals to leaders in the era of accountability than prosecute perpetrators of war crimes and in the era of impunity. Second, culpable Ambassador (ret.) Joyce E. Leader served as genocide in the former Yugoslavia and leaders of civil conflicts who see no safe deputy chief of mission in Rwanda from 1991 Rwanda. The intergovernmental Rome exile option are more likely to keep fight- to 1994 and, during two months in 1993, was Statute established the International ing to the end. And third, a culpable leader a U.S. observer to the Rwanda peace talks in Criminal Court. Under these statutes, is more likely to avoid initiating atrocities Arusha, Tanzania, among many assignments many former leaders are now serving long if it might enhance chances of a safe exile. during a 21-year Foreign Service career. Her prison sentences. Krcmaric’s findings also reveal what book, From Hope to Horror: Diplomacy Daniel Krcmaric, a political science he calls the “justice dilemma.” He shows and the Making of the Rwanda Genocide professor at Northwestern University, that using international justice to achieve (Potomac Books, an imprint of University predicates his scholarly work, The Justice accountability and deter mass atroci- of Nebraska Press, 2020), traces the political Dilemma, on his observation that the ties (a positive result) is likely to produce wrangling, human rights abuses, and ever- post-1998 “era of accountability” marked a prolonged conflict when leaders choose escalating violence of a three-way struggle for sharp departure from the pre-1998 “era of to continue fighting rather than risk facing control of democratization and peacemaking impunity.” He asks whether this new inter- international justice (a negative outcome). among Rwanda’s ethnic and regional factions.

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 79 REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

80 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 81 REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

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THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 83 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

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84 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL REFLECTIONS

The Case of the Bungled Blacklist

BY KEVIN CHAMBERS

nbeknownst to 11 of America’s Firms were being placed on the devastating largest companies, a list was list arbitrarily, based on policies the advisory being created in Stockholm firm didn’t agree with. Uwith their names on it. It wasn’t the kind of list anyone wants to be on. It was a blacklist that could cost them bil- devastating list arbitrarily, based on act includes an anti-boycott provision lions of dollars. policies the advisory firm didn’t agree regarding Israel. On June 12, 2017, while scanning a with, such as doing business in Israel or Three hours after the meeting, the Swedish newspaper in my Foreign Com- being in the defense industry. Notably, bank that had drawn up the list informed mercial Service office in the U.S. embassy none of Sweden’s large defense manu- us that it would remove the U.S. firms, in Stockholm, I spotted an article about facturers were on the list. and did so publicly the next day. We the largest bank in the Nordic region. I informed our chargé d’affaires, immediately followed up with the other The bank was touting the fact that it David Lindwall, an experienced and banks that had announced blacklists, and had placed 40 international companies, well-respected diplomat who had taken they agreed to drop U.S. companies from including 11 U.S. companies, on a black- charge at the epicenter of the earth- their lists, as well. list prohibiting investments. The bank’s quake crisis in Haiti back in 2010. I also Quick action by the chargé and FCS fund managers were ordered to divest informed Nick Kuchova, the regional resulted in public retractions by the banks bank funds and their clients’ investments senior commercial officer. The chargé and dissuaded other European banks from these companies. immediately called the bank’s leadership from unfairly targeting U.S. firms with The bank accused the blacklisted and requested a meeting. blacklists. These efforts also saved the companies of “violating global norms I then contacted the U.S. companies to companies billions in aggregate losses. and conventions” and, mysteriously, advise them of the situation. None knew FCS offices in more than 80 embas- included some of America’s largest retail- about the impending threat, nor had sies and consulates around the world are ers, defense manufacturers and compa- any been contacted by the Nordic banks charged with assisting U.S. companies nies doing business with Israel. The bank to be given a chance to respond to the with exporting, attracting foreign invest- claimed this action would remove more allegations. They asked for our commer- ment into the United States, and protect- than $50 billion from the listed compa- cial diplomacy assistance to head off the ing the interests of U.S. companies in nies. Within hours, another large Nordic banks’ action. overseas markets. Much of the day-to-day bank announced it would follow suit. On June 14, the chargé and I met work of FCS focuses on helping indus- I contacted bank officials I knew for with bank leadership to deliver a letter tries and individual companies expand background and learned that the black- referencing Section 909 of the Trade their exports into new overseas markets. list had been generated by an unregu- Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act The more U.S. companies export, the lated proxy advisory firm the bank had of 2015, requesting they remove the U.S. more Americans they hire. hired. Firms were being placed on the firms from the list. Section 909 of the But helping companies understand the markets and find qualified represen- Kevin Chambers is a retired commercial officer with the U.S. Foreign tatives and distributors is far from all that and Commercial Service. During his Foreign Service career, he served in FCS does. FCS personnel are on watch to Shanghai, Tokyo and Stockholm. A graduate of the Thunderbird School spot threats to U.S. business and eco- of Global Management, he currently runs the U.S. Commercial Service’s nomic interests early on, and as demon- trade office in Tulsa, Oklahoma. strated by this case, it works. n

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | APRIL 2021 85 LOCAL LENS BY PAUL POLETES n JURMALA, LATVIA

he moodiness of the Baltic Sea and Latvian summer—where it can be 75 degrees Fahrenheit one day and 45 the next, even in July—is captured in this photo taken at the beach in Jurmala, about 10 miles from Riga last July. It was my last visit to the beach before leaving TLatvia at the end of my tour. I took the picture with an iPhone 8. n

Paul Poletes is an Uzbek language student at FSI. He joined the Foreign Service in 1998 and has served in Athens, Dhaka, Bishkek, Tirana, Ashgabat, Riga and Washington, D.C.

Please submit your favorite, recent photograph to be considered for Local Lens. Images must be high resolution (at least 300 dpi at 8” x 10”, or 1 MB or larger) and must not be in print elsewhere. Include a short description of the scene/event, as well as your name, brief biodata and the type of camera used. Send to [email protected].

86 APRIL 2021 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL