The U.S. Foreign Service is on the eve of its first centennial in 2024. The past century has witnessed hot and cold wars, cyber advancements (internet, AI, crypto, etc.) and attacks, the war on terror, the rise of great power competition, and the ensuing transition to a multipolar world, among many other global developments. As an institution and a profession, the Foreign Service must continue to evolve to meet the needs of today and tomorrow. 

The Foreign Service Journal has been addressing these changes and challenges on its pages since becoming the flagship publication of the American Foreign Service Association in 1924.  

Today, to honor the centennial—and AFSA’s role as the “Voice of the Foreign Service”—the Journal extends a special invitation to you to voice your own thoughts on the future of the Foreign Service by way of a writing competition. The topic is: 

Looking ahead to the next century, describe the ideal Foreign Service—as an institution and a profession.  

Possible areas to consider when writing your essay: diplomatic practice; FS reform and modernization; international development and foreign assistance; civilian-military relations; recruitment, hiring, and retention; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. 

Be practical. Be creative. Be visionary. 

AFSA will award as follows: 

Judges will be looking for originality, cogent and concise reasoning, clarity, and applicability. 

The winning essay will be published in the May 2024 edition of The Foreign Service Journal. Second- and third-place essays will be published in later editions. 

Requirements:

• You are an AFSA member (but not an AFSA board member). We especially want to hear from those newer to one of the foreign affairs agencies (entry- and mid-level), but welcome submissions from any active-duty or retired current AFSA members. One entry maximum per person.
• Your entry is 800 to 1,000 words. It has not been submitted to or published in any print or online publications.
• You have not included any AI-generated content.  

Essays will be attributed. Please include full name, current and previous postings, and agency/position as part of a one- to two-sentence bio note. Winning essays will be edited for style. Authors are responsible for getting any necessary U.S. government clearances before submission. 

Please send your submission and any questions to journal@afsa.org by December 15, 2023, subject line: FSJ Writing Competition + Your Last Name.  

We look forward to hearing from you!  

—The Foreign Service Journal Team