With crises brewing around the world, the US's diplomatic 'special agents' are sharpening old skills and learning some new ones

• The State Department relies on its Diplomatic Security Service to protect diplomats around the world.
• The department and DSS are confronting more challenges amid increasing geopolitical tensions.
• The DSS is working on new initiatives to defend US diplomatic assets, including in cyberspace.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 shocked the world and drew a scathing response from the international community.