What Is A Diplomat? Who Is An Ambassador?

In the world of international relations, diplomats play a major role in representing their respective countries overseas. In this article and video, we will examine the responsibilities of diplomats, explore what exactly the Foreign Service is, and make the distinction between diplomats and ambassadors.

What is a Diplomat?

A diplomat is an individual who represents their nation’s interests in foreign countries. This representation involves safeguarding the welfare of their fellow citizens abroad and advancing their nation’s goals and objectives. American diplomats, for instance, have a range of roles and responsibilities, including:

• Protecting American Citizens Overseas: Ensuring the safety and well-being of American citizens in different countries is a primary duty of U.S. diplomats.
• Promoting National Interests: Diplomats work to promote their country’s national interests, striving for peace and prosperity on the global stage.

The Foreign Service

The Foreign Service is a dedicated group of individuals responsible for implementing the foreign policy interests of the United States. There are approximately 15,000 members. The majority of personnel in the Foreign Service is primarily associated with the State Department. However, the Foreign Service has many different branches, including:

• USAID: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is a vital component of the Foreign Service, focusing on humanitarian and development aid.
• Foreign Commercial Service: This branch supports American businesses and trade interests abroad.
• Foreign Agricultural Service: Promoting American agricultural products and food security globally is the mission of this service.
• U.S. Agency for Global Media: Responsible for broadcasting American news and values worldwide.

In the Foreign Service with the State Department, there are Generalists and Specialists. Generalists are diplomats. They can choose from five different career tracks (Consular, political, economic, public diplomacy, and management). Specialists have experience and specialized knowledge to keep the Foreign Service afloat (medical, engineering, IT, etc.).

Foreign Service Lifestyle

The Foreign Service represents not just a career but a unique lifestyle. It offers the opportunity to travel extensively, reside in foreign nations for extended periods (typically two to four years), and immerse oneself in diverse cultures. While there are challenges, such as being far from family and friends, the rewards of this career are profoundly fulfilling.

Ambassador vs. Diplomat

One common misconception is that all diplomats are ambassadors. However, this is not the case. An ambassador is a high-ranking diplomat and typically the highest-ranking official in the embassy of their home country within a host nation. Ambassadors can be seen as the “bosses” of the diplomatic community in their respective countries. In contrast, not all diplomats hold the title of ambassador.

Conclusion

Diplomats are the unsung heroes of international relations, working tirelessly to represent their nations and promote global cooperation. The Foreign Service is a diverse and multifaceted organization, facilitating diplomacy in various forms. While ambassadors are a prestigious type of diplomat, not all diplomats hold this title.

In Case You’ve Missed It, Check Out

Foreign Service FAQs | What You Should Know
A Day In The Life Of A Diplomat On 4th Of July
What Do Diplomats Really Do?
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