ADST Biweekly Newsletters: Where History Meets Diplomacy
Join our bi-weekly newsletter for powerful stories, expert insights, and educational resources on the past, present, and future of American diplomacy.
Stay connected to the stories that shape American diplomacy. Our bi-weekly newsletter brings you engaging insights from our oral histories, lectures, podcasts, books, and educational programs—highlighting the people and moments that define our diplomatic legacy. Join us as we continue our mission to educate the public about diplomacy and strengthen today’s practitioners through the power of history.
Previous Newsletters
World Cup and Sports Diplomacy – June 26, 2026: The oral history newsletter covers accounts of the World Cup across the years, with lots of examples of sports diplomacy proving its worth.
Putin’s Russia- June 12, 2026: This edition of our oral history newsletter dives deep into the beginning of Putin’s rise in Russia, including an early meeting in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) before Putin had any elected role.
Lebanon – May 29, 2026: This biweekly newsletter is a historical deep dive into the complex trajectory of U.S.-Lebanon diplomatic relations, tracking how a rigid sectarian framework and regional conflicts eventually led to military intervention, embassy evacuations, and deep geopolitical entanglements.
China – May 15, 2026: In light of the recent meeting between President Xi and President Trump, ADST’s newsletter leverages its archive of oral histories to provide deep historical context on the complex “inside game” of U.S.-China diplomatic relations. Simultaneously, the organization highlights its new AI-driven archival tools, honors the legacy of Ted Turner, and new additions to our archive.
Foreign Service Day and the Sacrifices of U.S. Diplomats – May 1, 2026: We commemorate Foreign Service Day and remember the sacrifices of our colleagues and friends. Read stories from the ADST archive about those who have given their lives in the service of the United States.
Hungary – April 20, 2026: This newsletter explores the storied and complex evolution of U.S.-Hungary relations, tracing the arc from the defiance of the 1956 uprising to the collapse of the Iron Curtain. It concludes by examining the modern era of “illiberal democracy” under Viktor Orbán, highlighting his strategic alignment with President Trump.
The Arab Oil Embargo – April 3, 2026: Read how the Arab Oil Embargo in 1973 led to drastic changes in U.S. foreign policy towards Europe, Asia and Latin America. Plus new oral histories.
The Gulf Arab Evolution – March 20, 2026: We explore the historical evolution of U.S. diplomatic relations with the Arab Gulf States, drawing on firsthand accounts from oral histories to trace the region’s transition from primitive outposts to central strategic importance. It also highlights three new oral history releases.
The Strait of Hormuz – March 10, 2026: How the Strait of Hormuz has evolved from a Cold War flashpoint and “Tanker War” battleground into a modern hub for smuggling. While the waterway has rarely been fully closed, until now, the persistent threat of closure has dictated decades of U.S. diplomatic and military strategy.
The Olympics and Diplomacy – February 20, 2026: We highlight how the Olympic Games have long been used as a stage for diplomatic signaling and geopolitical contests — from Cold War boycotts to modern security and political challenges. Plus new oral histories, Ben East’s new book on Peace Corps and State, and a new review of the ADST anthology.
Iran – February 6, 2026: We illuminate pivotal moments in U.S.–Iran relations—from the Shah and the 1979 Revolution to the hostage crisis and its aftermath—offering historical context for today’s tensions. Plus new oral histories.
Greenland, Denmark and Nato – January 23, 2026: We trace the long history of U.S. engagement with Greenland—from strategic decisions in World War II and NATO planning to Cold War and post-Cold War defense negotiations—providing context for renewed U.S. interest in the island today, alongside highlights of newly posted diplomatic personal histories.
Venezuela Redux – January 11, 2026: We dive again into the long, complicated history of U.S.–Venezuela relations through fresh oral history excerpts, including firsthand accounts of the 2019 aid push and the closure of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas. We also point readers to other newly released stories from the ADST archive that bring recent diplomatic history to life.
Holiday in the Foreign Service – December 19, 2025: We share first-hand stories of how Foreign Service people spend holidays far from home — from using Christmas gatherings to make unlikely diplomatic connections to lighting up the U.S. mission in Havana and visiting troops in Afghanistan — celebrations abroad are often meaningful, unusual, and deeply human.
Venezuela – December 5, 2025: We dive into the history of U.S.–Venezuela relations through a series of oral history highlights, ranging from early oil-era diplomacy to Cold War-era tensions and the fractured 2019 crisis that led to the U.S. Embassy’s withdrawal. We also share firsthand accounts that connect those past moments to how the relationship has evolved over decades.
Thanksgiving Abroad – November 27, 2025: We explore Thanksgiving overseas through a bunch of First Foreign Service stories, sharing memories of holiday meals, quirky celebrations, and meaningful community gatherings that diplomats and their families have had while serving abroad. We also share moments that show both the joy and personal sacrifices that come with celebrating this American tradition in far-flung posts around the world.
Dayton Peace Accords 30th Anniversary – November 21, 2025: We take a closer look at the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, sharing new oral histories and reflections on the U.S.-led negotiations that helped end the Bosnian War in 1995 and the long, ongoing process of peacebuilding that followed. We also share excerpts from firsthand accounts and resources that connect those diplomatic experiences to lessons for today’s foreign policy.
Japan – November 7, 2025: We dive into the long, evolving partnership between Japan and the United States, sharing oral history highlights that show how postwar reconstruction, cultural exchange, trade ties, and security cooperation have shaped one of America’s most important alliances. We also share firsthand stories and resources that bring this U.S.–Japan diplomatic history to life.
Poland during the Soviet Era – October 24, 2025: We examine the lived experience of Poland under Soviet domination through a series of oral history excerpts that show how Americans and Poles navigated everyday life, symbols of control, resistance, and the long struggle for identity. We also share firsthand moments of defiance, the rise of Solidarity, and how those decades-long pressures still shape perspectives on security and relations with Russia today.
Life after the Foreign Service – October 10, 2025: We explore what life looks like after Foreign Service and USAID careers, sharing highlights from oral histories where retirees find new purpose in everything from teaching and consulting to community building and second-act adventures. We also share inspiring examples of how diplomats keep contributing long after their official service ends.