FOCUS ON NOTES TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATIONNotes to the New Administration Following the U.S. presidential election and by way of welcoming the new administration, The Foreign Service Journal asked members of the U.S. Foreign Service community to offer recommendations. FEATURESSubnational Diplomacy: A Conversation with Special Representative Nina Hachigian AFSA was delighted to host an “Inside Diplomacy” online conversation on Dec. 3, 2024, with the first U.S. special representative for city and state diplomacy at the State Department, Ambassador Nina Hachigian. Diplomat and Secret Agent for Cuba What motivated this U.S. ambassador to betray his own country during his decades in the Foreign Service? BY DAVID C. ADAMSFS KNOW-HOWCultural Competency for Effective Communications A focus on cultural competency among Foreign Service members can prevent misunderstandings that have the potential to trigger broader conflicts. BY HUI JUN TINA WONGUSAID VP VOICE The Fight for USAID BY RANDY CHESTER