Diplomacy in Practice: Lessons from a Career on the Frontlines

Join us for the launch of How to Be a Diplomat, a new book by Dr Nicholas Westcott, Professor of Practice in Diplomacy at SOAS University.

In a period of extreme flux in the international system, diplomacy has never been more essential or more challenging. Drawing on his long career as a British and European Union diplomat, including as a head of mission and Managing Director for both Africa and the Middle East, Dr Nicholas Westcott offers a vivid and practical exploration of the craft of diplomacy: how to handle crises, negotiate with adversaries, support local staff, engage civil society, and navigate the pressures of representing one’s country abroad.

In particular, Dr Westcott will discuss how diplomats should respond to the rapidly changing global order, both geopolitically and in the use of new information and communication mechanisms, including the impact of multipolarity, social media and artificial intelligence.

Following the lecture, Dr Westcott will engage in a conversation on the book’s themes with a panel of experts:

• H.E. Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, South Africa's High Commissioner to the UK
• Mr Andrew Gilmour, Former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Human Rights
• Dr Alvina Hoffmann, Lecturer Diplomatic Studies, SOAS University of London

The discussion, chaired by Dr Alvina Hoffmann, will conclude with questions from the audience, followed by a reception. Copies of How to Be a Diplomat will be available on the day.

Agenda

6:00pm-7:00pm: book launch

7:00pm onwards: reception

Organiser

This event is organised by the Centre for International Studies and Diplomacy (CISD) at SOAS University of London.