Annually, as a sign of respect, Americans observe a moment of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day…
A Struggle for Power: Decolonization in Africa
After World War II, the idea of imperial colonization became increasingly stigmatized. Decolonization in Africa sometimes resulted in political power…
October 14, 1960—JFK’s Call to Service and Diplomacy
John F. Kennedy inspired generations of Americans toward a life of service starting with a few impromptu lines not many…
From START to Finish: Behind the Scenes of the Tense U.S.-Soviet Nuclear Disarmament in Reykjavík
The 45-year-long Cold War of protracted geopolitical contention between two global powerhouses helped determine the unprecedented magnitude of nuclear weapons…
Hooliganism with a Camera: How Photography Ended a Diplomatic Tenure in Moscow
An assignment in an authoritarian regime can be a tricky proposition for a foreign service officer. One would likely be…
The Siberian Pipeline
Imagine this: It is 1987, you are the president of the United States of America, your country is one of…
A Tale of Two Embassies—Microphones, Microwaves, and Bugs
In 1972, during the détente period in U.S.–Soviet relations, the United States handed the Soviets the key to its new…
Marie Yovanovitch: Lessons from the Edge
Marie Yovanovitch was at the height of her diplomatic career when it all came crashing down. In the middle of…
The Impact of Culture on Negotiation Tactics During the Cold War
The Cold War started after the end of World War II and lasted until the fall of the Soviet Union.…
A Jack of All Trades: Working Without Foreign Service Nationals in Moscow
Foreign service officers are often subject to circumstances beyond their control. Such was the case when a diplomatic quarrel occurred…