A reader and fellow Kaplan fan recently asked us what we thought are the skills necessary for making an effective FSO in these times. I started thinking about it, but then thought why not turn the question to our enlightened readership? Here is his question in full:
Thanks for the wonderful site. I’ve been a Kaplan fan for years, and in many ways he’s responsible for the rather radical career change I’m attempting. My college degree is in Music (Music Industry Emphasis, Percussion was my instrument) but am currently in the process of trying to become a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. I received word last week that I passed the written exam—now it’s time for me to prep for the oral assessment. More importantly, I need to start aquiring knowledge and skills that would help me be an effective F.S.O. in the field.I’ve read “The Arabists,” which several of the F.S.O.’s I’ve been in contact with have exuberantly recommended. However, I’m curious as to your comments and those of your readers. Have you thought about posting what qualities diplomats should bring to their work today? What should the West do to improve its diplomatic options as well as well as its militaty ones?
My comments to come.
Comments to this entry
Curzon
August 4, 2005
2:07 am
Diplomacy is many things -- business relations, cultural exchanges, military cooperation, public diplomacy -- but no matter what you're doing, the two most important things are 1.) knowing your audience and 2.) knowing about your own country, i.e. the US.
Audience is important, and not just what country they are from. A group of Chilean businessmen don't want to hear about their country's involvement in Iraq any more than college students at the University of Cairo want to hear about the favorable benefits in the new US-Egyptian tax treaty.
Of course you should know the country you're dealing with and understand its history and its culture, but as important as this is, don't get too carried away with it. Everything can be explained by "culture" if you try hard enough, and when it comes down to it, people are people.
And know your own country. People will want answers about America concerning everything from its death penalty to its policy in Iraq to its movie industry to the history of slavery. Answer these questions from a historical/sociological/anthropological point of view. Remove your own opinion and experiences from the answer and avoid your own political viewpoints unless directly asked, and even then be patient with your audience.
Be polite; never lose your temper. Eat anything put in front of you.
Finally, remember that your job is not missionary work. You are not out there to save the world. You are looking out for America's best interests.
Those are just a few comments from someone with no experience in the foreign service but with plenty of years of residence overseas, travel to dozens of countries, and a lifetime of dealing with people with a culture background and frame of reference other than my own.
Some ComingAnarchy.com posts on diplomats and diplomacy:
"Embassy Way, Tokyo":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/05/17/embassy-way/
"Oh Powell"¦":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2004/10/27/oh-powell/
"Call for Caution":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2004/12/21/call-for-caution/
"Top Five Secretaries of State":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/06/06/top-five-secretaries-of-state/
"Hidden Catalyst of the Meiji Reformation":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2004/10/16/hidden-catalyst-of-the-meiji-reformaiton/
"Pissing on a Bees Nest":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/05/08/sit-on-this-putin/
"Humble Pie and Dem Apples":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/07/06/humble-pie-and-dem-apples/
"The Face of Diplomatic War":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/06/20/the-face-of-diplomatic-war/
"Blame Game":http://www.cominganarchy.com/2005/03/28/blame-game/
Jing
August 4, 2005
12:30 pm
Younghusband
August 5, 2005
5:31 am
bq. Remove your own opinion and experiences from the answer and avoid your own political viewpoints unless directly asked, and even then be patient with your audience.
This is a very good point, in fact I would go further and say don't even reveal your political view (it keeps the other team on their toes). Try to concentrate on things advantageous to your listener (mutual prosperity through more trade, regional security to provide safety so your family can make more money/pray freely to their God/etc. etc.)
My tactic is to always ask questions and listen to the answers. People love to talk about themselves, so give them a chance. Not only can you sometimes find out great info, you can avoid having to explain yourself, and inadvertently offending the listener. (I understand that this is difficult for a diplomat because of his job... just some friendly advice!)
One other thing, don't forget the "little people." I can't count the times I got access to the "circle of power" through some regular Joe who happened to have a cousin/sister/brother/former dog owner/etc. in high places. Street contacts (and street cred) can be priceless.
That's all for me. Anybody else?