American Foreign Service Association Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by American Foreign Service Association
In 2025, we mark the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, a conflict that left a profound impact on the United States and the world. As we reflect on this milestone, it is crucial to revisit the role of the U.S. Foreign Service during that era, which was instrumental in shaping the course of events and continues to influence U.S. diplomacy today.
Drawing in part from The Foreign Service Journal’s 40th anniversary coverage of the end of the Vietnam war, critically assess what you believe to be the most significant effects of the Foreign Service's work during the Vietnam War on contemporary U.S. diplomacy.
Consider the following as you craft your essay:
Historical Context: Reflect on the role of the Foreign Service before, during, and after the Vietnam War.
Long-Term Impacts: How did these experiences influence the development of U.S. diplomatic strategies, the approach to conflict resolution, or the handling of humanitarian crises in subsequent years?
Contemporary Relevance: Draw possible connections between the lessons learned by the Foreign Service in Vietnam and current U.S. diplomatic practices. How have these lessons shaped the way modern diplomats engage with the world today?
Through this prompt, we want to encourage you to think critically about how the legacy of the Foreign Service in Vietnam continues to resonate in contemporary U.S. diplomacy.
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