A new historical resource captures two decades of firsthand accounts from U.S. diplomats in Afghanistan — including Stephenie Foster’s reflections on her work advancing the rights of Afghan women and girls.
The Association for Diplomatic Studies and Training (ADST) has released the Library of Oral Histories of U.S. Diplomacy in Afghanistan, a landmark collection documenting the experiences of American diplomats who served in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2024. Through candid, in-depth interviews, the library preserves the voices of those who navigated complex political, security, and cultural landscapes during one of the most consequential chapters in modern U.S. foreign policy.
Stephenie Foster’s contribution to this archive reflects her deep engagement in Afghanistan during her diplomatic career. Interviewed in March 2024 by Ambassador Robin Matthewman for the ADST Foreign Affairs Oral History Program, Stephenie shares her perspective on the challenges and opportunities of working in Afghanistan — particularly in championing the rights and education of Afghan women and girls.
Her account provides unique insight into the intersection of diplomacy, development, and gender equality, highlighting the resilience of Afghan women and the importance of sustained international engagement.
Explore the complete Library of Oral Histories HERE
Read Stephenie’s full interview HERE