This is Part I of a two-part series reflecting on time well-spent while building a career in diplomacy. In Part II, Senior Foreign Service Officer Conrad Turner will share considerations about returns on time investment and key takeaways for those new the field.

Moira Whelan's piece for the Soft Power 30 report looked at how President Trump's rhetoric hurt America.

In his piece for the Soft Power 30 report, Joel Day looks at how the City of San Diego is working to create a global brand.

Nicholas J. Cull advises that contrary to President Trump's rhetoric, failure can be an asset in public diplomacy.

A new report examines the emerging landscape of bottom-up global climate governance, stemming from such subnational levels as the State of California.

Philip Seib reflects on the U.S secretary of state's relatively short tenure, surveys the damage from his departure and offers some advice to his successor.

Sohaela Amiri discusses cities' expanding roles at the global negotiating table, from climate change, to winning hearts and minds and beyond. 

Reality TV shows like "Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers" bring more visibility to the future of this region, according to Derek Moscato.