Overview

With the international system entering a period of extreme flux, diplomacy has never been more important, and how to do it successfully more relevant. This book considers what diplomacy is, its purpose, rules, structures, how it is done, what it involves, the skills required, the impact of technological and societal changes, and how diplomats ensure success. In short, it is about handling people and problems, particularly in other countries, without coming to blows. Drawing on the author’s extensive personal experience, this readable volume focuses on the practical problems diplomats regularly face, such as negotiating an agreement, working with a hostile government, dealing with dual nationals imprisoned for political reasons, looking after local staff, engaging with civil society, responding to humanitarian crises, and knowing what to do if a war breaks out on your doorstep. This is an invaluable training resource for anyone working at the coal face of international relations and a guide to how to navigate, operate, behave, negotiate, and survive diplomatic life. Such diplomatic skills will be of wider relevance in many walks of life – international, commercial, bureaucratic, even family.

Full Product Details

9781032836171

Table of Contents

Reviews

""A thoughtful and entertaining journey into the world of diplomacy. A must-read for anyone interested in how it really works or aspiring to work as a diplomat."" - Baroness Cathy Ashton, former High Representative of the EU ""A vital guide. Diplomacy is sometimes glamorous, often painstakingly slow, but Nick Westcott reminds us that it is the vital hinge that keeps doors and windows open between countries. And that’s never been more important than now as a generation of politicians try to slam doors shut."" - Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General ''Nick Westcott deftly exhibits the mechanics of diplomacy. His eye is acute and original, and, valuably, he can draw on the experience of both professional diplomat and seasoned academic: a must read for anyone who wants to understand the world today.’' - Zeinab Badawi, Journalist, filmmaker, writer and President of SOAS “This book provides a precious insight into what diplomacy is today, in real life, with accurate and sharp descriptions, thoughtful analysis, and a style that makes it a pleasure to read. Nick shares stories, lessons learned and wisdom that are bringing us to the heart of an exceptional practitioner’s experience: that of serving for decades one of the best national diplomatic services, and the European Union’s unique “external action service”, in years of turbulent transitions. A must read for all those interested in how diplomacy works in real life!” - Federica Mogherini, Rector of College of Europe, Bruges and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (2015-2020) and Italian Foreign Minister. ""Anyone working in international relations needs to understand how it gets done in practice, and this book is a practical, readable and wonderfully witty guide to the diplomatic arts, illustrated with the kind of observations that can only come from deep experience of the whole range of diplomatic activities."" - Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House

Author Information

Nicholas Westcott is Professor of Practice in Diplomacy at SOAS University of London and a Visiting Fellow of the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. He worked previously as a British diplomat for the Foreign Office and the European Union.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available