Selection of Diplomatic Agents

Most modern states entrust the conduct of their diplomatic business from the rank of ambassador to a professional diplomatic service, who begin their careers at junior level and gradually rise to higher ranks. In the UK, the Foreign Secretary has total power over the most important appointments without the consultation of the Prime Minister. Whereas in the US, the Constitution (Section 2.2) declares that “the President shall nominate and, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls.”

In most countries, it is an essential requirement that candidates entering the diplomatic service be a subject or citizen of the country. A further requirement is generally a university honours degree, and satisfactory performance in an examination. Candidates are tested for their aptitude in dealing with administrative problems posed by a given dossier; in the handling of discussion in small groups and in committee drafting sessions. Their character and personality are assessed after searching observation and the application of psychological tests. Even after all this, a diplomatic appointment can be rejected by host countries depending on the appointees past to conflicting nationalism, controversial nature in the past or otherwise. A representative should have a good all round knowledge of her own country, rooted in familiarity with its history and culture and have a good grasp of the forces at work in its social, political and economic life.

Appointments of diplomats vary. Mid-management status ambassadors are fast-tracked from PhD level, whereas political appointees are made to those who have been loyal to the service through a degree of time. Ambassadors are competent to carry on negotiations with the sovereign herself, and can demand access to the Head of State at any time but this is limited by the etiquette of the court or government to which she is accredited to. Legates and nuncios are religious figureheads such as the Pope, who can act as a diplomat in certain missions. The title of envoy is ordinarily a custom given to an agent of second class. Chargé d’affaires are accredited to the minister for foreign affairs and appointed as a temporary deputy when the Head of Mission is absent or pending the appointment of a successor.

In the UK, appointments are celebrated by visiting the Queen in national dress. Only after this visit, the appointee can adhere to the title of ‘diplomat’ and may begin their mission by meeting ministers and Head of Intelligence. A courtesy call is made to the doyen (dean of diplomatic core who is the longest serving ambassador) prior to a mission.

When a diplomat is not on mission, they are simply civil servants in their appointed country. The road to becoming a diplomat is strictly selective by the Heads of State, however there are several routes to climbing the diplomatic ladder.