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Author: shaz.abidin

Steps to Ambassador-ship

Steps to Ambassador-ship

His Majesty the Yang DiPertuan Agong, Sultan Mizan of Terengganu, presenting the Letter of Credence to a Malaysian Ambassador Ambassador ↗ For a rank-and-file diplomat (what we elegantly term ‘career diplomat’) to become an ambassador, these are the steps that are taken, procedurally. Bear in mind that different countries will have different processes, depending on the type of government in place. These differences are often very small, however, since most countries have a similar process in place. Step One: A…

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The Diplomatic Talk We Use

The Diplomatic Talk We Use

Like any other speech, text, or piece of writing, diplomatic parlance also comes in various types. We often attribute the use of niceties and layered nuances as ‘diplomatic talk’ or ‘parlance’. This is the most common form. However, one of the less-used types of diplomatic talk is direct diplomacy, where you just say it as it is. This is often employed only by those who: have nothing to lose by being as honest as possible; or are very secure in…

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Sanctions 101

Sanctions 101

Since everyone is talking about sanctions right now (vis-a-vis the Russia-Ukraine war), let’s look at sanctions as a foreign policy tool, and how they have been used. And thus we take a brief look at sanctions, or ‘Sanctions 101’, as educators would have it. Under internatinal law, the only body that can impose sanctions is the United Nations’ Security Council (UNSC). Sitting in a composition of 5 Permanent Members and 10 other non-Permanent Members, the UNSC is empowered by much-touted…

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A Diplomat’s Arsenal

A Diplomat’s Arsenal

One of the hardest things about being a diplomat abroad is the need for constant knowledge. Ordinary citizens often seem to think that by virtue of being in the foreign service, you would have access to many insider’s views and insights. The US ambassador in Senegal, for example, tells me that he is constantly asked about visa applications – when their applications will approved, how long will it take, and how do they go about it. In the US foreign…

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What’s Your Story About?

What’s Your Story About?

The way we tell a story (see The Storyteller In Us) will capture the audience’s attention. Beyond that, however, you need to also have a good and substantive story to tell. More and more, people resort to visual aids such as the series of pictures above. If you start with just those pictures, the story can be almost anything: Interesting images captured Architecture – Buildings and structures Colours Creativity Dubai Expo 2020 Most people will start with the story instead…

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Perception & Diplomacy

Perception & Diplomacy

People’s perception of a country is one of the more important things in diplomacy. In high politics, the perception of being powerful enough to do what YOU want to do, is what deters other countries from taking advantage of you, fearing retaliation. In diplomatic networking, the perception that a particular person is a ‘do-er’ rather than just a ‘talker’ will result in people gravitating towards the person. Never mind if the perception is not real – it is always the…

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The Storyteller in Us

The Storyteller in Us

The diplomat is first and foremost a master storyteller. It doesn’t mean that the stories they tell are fictional; it just means that they are wonderful at capturing an audience’s attention and making even the most mundane sound interesting. The master diplomat is one who can sell any idea. The story is essentially irrelevant. His power comes from the way he weaves his story, persuading his listener to trust and believe in him. The good thing is that there is…

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The Rules We Live By

The Rules We Live By

The diplomatic world seems to have one of the most rigid rules-based system of any profession. Centuries-old protocol & etiquette guide the diplomat, from what they say, how they eat, whom they can meet, and even where they sit. The diplomat is taught there are certain things that should not be mentioned in polite company: a person’s medical condition, the children (or lack thereof), a person’s natural ‘endowments’, among the many. Then there is the fine dining etiquette – the…

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When is an ambassador not an Ambassador?

When is an ambassador not an Ambassador?

Once a person is appointed and received as an Ambassador, very few incidents can happen that would dislodge the person from the post. Even if the whole diaspora literally detests the ambassador, or the ambassador commits some gross transgression, the person remains an Ambassador. However, if the sending country recalls their ambassador, then the person’s tour of duty is effectively ended. The recalling of one’s own ambassador signals a country’s displeasure at the other country, not at the ambassador. This…

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‘Need-To-Know’ Tips for New United Nations Delegates

‘Need-To-Know’ Tips for New United Nations Delegates

Taking The Floor One of the more frustrating things when dealing with new delegates / representatives at international negotiations is the idea of ‘taking the floor’. Many will just freeze up when they have to say something in public, much less argue an unpopular point of view. This happens to the even the most seasoned representatives, and is an aspect of diplomacy that can be overcome, with practice and with one constant reminder. The reminder is to self – that…

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