Published
Sep 24, 2024Page count
240 pagesISBN
978-1447373926Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Sep 24, 2024Page count
240 pagesISBN
978-1447373940Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy Press
Lessons in Diplomacy
Is a diplomat’s life really as glamorous as a royal visit, or as dramatic as a coup d’état in Turkey?
Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who led posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria. In this witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the most intriguing careers a person can have, Leigh relates his interactions with royalty of both the aristocratic and celebrity kinds, and with brilliant and extraordinary people who bestowed valuable lessons. Offering astute reflections on Brexit, Russia’s war with Ukraine and the chaos of modern politics, he sheds new light on the intricacies of modern statecraft, including what we all can learn from a good diplomat or ambassador.
In this entertaining and accessible first-hand account, you’ll discover how diplomats really work with spies, how immunity allows killers to escape justice, how Russia broke up the Soviet Union and then nursed its resentment at the consequences -- and how to throw, and be invited to, a great cocktail party.
"Leigh Turner is a diplomat’s diplomat, who has always balanced serious professionalism with deep compassion, humanity and humour. He is not one to get stuck behind a desk, and this lively, readable account is a compelling case for why adventurous, creative diplomacy is needed more than ever. It will be enjoyed by practitioners, future diplomats, and anyone with an interest in how statecraft works, and the pace at which it is changing. It's lively, often hilarious, always perceptive. Highly recommended." Tom Fletcher, Hertford College and former foreign policy advisor and author of The Naked Diplomat
“Entertaining, instructive and absorbing: an excellent insight into the professional and personal challenges and excitements of being a diplomat.” Stephen Wall, former ambassador to the European Union
“A highly entertaining picture of a varied career – with real human insights both for diplomats and leaders more generally.” Neil McMillan CMG, ex-diplomat and public servant.
“It’s rare that the worlds of diplomacy and rock’n’roll bump into each other but when they do, it’s reassuring to know how much we are alike. Leigh Turner rocks!” Roger Glover, Deep Purple
“Packed with insights, wise advice, and witty anecdotes from a lifetime at the sharp end of diplomacy. Leigh is a master of the trade.” Sir Laurie Bristow KCMG, University of Cambridge
“There are diplomats for whom the word ‘luck’ means quiet work in a calm country. Leigh Turner's diplomatic career can be called successful from the opposite point of view. He was lucky to regularly find himself in the middle of crisis situations with poorly predictable endings. This book is not only a fascinating read, but also a valuable source for understanding the recent past in world politics.” Andrey Kurkov, novelist
Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who recently retired from the Foreign Office. Multilingual, he held diplomatic posts in Vienna, Moscow and Berlin, served as Ambassador to Ukraine, British Consul-General in Istanbul, Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, and Director of Overseas Territories in the FO. He has also written several political thrillers.
Prologue: diplomacy in flux
Introduction: how to become an ambassador
Chapter 1: How to survive a crisis
Chapter 2: How to stop terrorism?
Chapter 3: How to fail at geopolitical change: Brexit
Chapter 4: How (not) to introduce democracy
Chapter 5: How to understand Putin’s war on Ukraine
Chapter 6: How to grapple with the legacy of colonialism
Chapter 7: How to handle politicians
Chapter 8: How to learn from diplomatic tradecraft
Chapter 9: How to drink wine and know things
Chapter 10: How to know people
Chapter 11: How to be interrogated
Chapter 12: How to keep your feet on the ground
Chapter 13: How to craft a career
Chapter 14: How to be an ambassador
Chapter 15: How to make diplomacy reflect our changing world
Epilogue: top tips for diplomats and ambassadors
