Many career paths have people who are driven by a singular focus to get promoted above all else, and the…
The Catalyst for Democracy—Portugal’s Carnation Revolution
On April 25, 1974, the Movimento das Forças Armadas (MAF), composed of Portuguese civilians and military officers, successfully overthrew the…
A Diplomat’s Perspective on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is developing and advancing right before our very eyes. It has aggressively integrated into our society as…
Finding a Family Abroad—How a Japanese Family Started a Foreign Service Officer’s Career
Being fluent in different languages is a fundamental skill for foreign service. While many foreign service officers learn languages as…
How Recognizing the Early Alternative Development Failures in “Plan Colombia” Led to its Ultimate Success
Colombia was in chaos when Andrés Pastrana was inaugurated as president of Colombia in 1998. Drug lords and the widespread…
The Stars and Stripes Around the World
No symbol more iconically represents the United States abroad than its flag, the Star Spangled Banner. Whether planted on the…
Lessons in Understanding—Redeveloping the United State’s Comprehension of India
From Taiwan to the Philippines to Bangladesh to Ghana , Frank Young’s career in the Foreign Service took him all…
Operation Sea Angel—How the Gulf War Saved Bangladesh
Most Americans know the Gulf War for the successful rout of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, but there’s an important side…
Diplomacy in Mexico and Canada Inspires Remedying the Negligence of History
Here at the Association for Diplomatic Studies & Training, we recognize the importance of documenting and distributing oral records of…
“The Winds of Change were Growing”—Drought Preparation and Education Reform in Ethiopia Despite Civil War and Famine
Cameron Bonner already had experience as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ethiopia (1967–1969) when he chose to return to the…