“Learning to Walk the Diplomatic Path”

Stephen takes you with him from his first experience of handling the diplomat side of his UN responsibilities into his increased understanding of how diplomacy may be played out within the job as a United Nations Ambassador. A series of cases are presented from which an understanding of the art of diplomacy become clear. It is not just turning up at diplomatic functions and learning how to have influence, but tuning one’s attention to perhaps unusual opportunities. The possibilities Stephen writes about extend from surprisingly wide positive coverage resulting from launching a postage stamp, to using a creative strategy to profile agreement on an International Ocean Charter committing the nation to take care of their oceans with Philippines President Ramos because it was signed underwater in lipstick with extensive international media coverage. Plus, within the protective realm of diplomatic shadows, this Chapter demonstrates the very un-diplomatic action that can occur … whilst the public image remains carefully preserved.