Diplomat

The main functions of diplomats are representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the sending state; initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements, treaties and conventions; and promotion of information, trade and commerce, technology, and friendly relations.

Sasson Sofer argues that, "The ideal diplomat, by the nature of his mission, is destined to clash with the expedient needs of his country's politics.

President John F. Kennedy often denigrated career diplomats as "weak and effeminate" and moved foreign policy decisions out of their hands.

[14] Diplomats in posts collect and report information that could affect national interests, often with advice about how the home-country government should respond.

Diplomats use secure communication systems, such as emails, and mobile telephones that allow reaching even the most reclusive head of mission.

If competent, they will have developed relationships grounded in trust and mutual understanding with influential members of the country in which they are accredited.

Most career diplomats have university degrees in international relations, political science, history, economics, or law.

The public image of diplomats has been described as "a caricature of pinstriped men gliding their way around a never-ending global cocktail party".

Sir Harold Nicolson acknowledged that diplomats can become "denationalised, internationalised and therefore dehydrated, an elegant empty husk".

For example, he wrote: "Nobody who has not actually watched statesmen dealing with each other can have any real idea of the immense part played in human affairs by such unavowable and often unrecognisable causes as lassitude, affability, personal affection or dislike, misunderstanding, deafness or incomplete command of a foreign language, vanity, social engagements, interruptions and momentary health.

"[20] To prevent disconnection and apathy from their own state, many foreign services mandate their employees to return to their home countries in between period serving abroad.