Are you a diplomat?
Let's discover diplomacy, shall we? First of all, what is diplomacy and who is a diplomat? Diplomacy is a the fostering and maintaining of relations between people representing different countries across the globe. It's important to understand that those working at the professional diplomacy level are not the only ones responsible for fostering these relations, it's also up to citizens to practice citizen diplomacy. In order to supplement the work the State Department does, citizens have the responsibility to act as "unofficial diplomats", thereby improving relations at the people-to-people level, and ultimately enhancing US foreign relations and policy.
Thanks to the State Department, there is a new, interactive website that allows those who are curious to explore the world of diplomacy, who engages in diplomacy, where diplomacy is conducted, and what the issues are surrounding the act of diplomacy.
The goal of the State Department is to advance the interests of the US and its people. This is a great site to learn about how you yourself can engage and take part in advancing the interests of US citizens at the personal level. It is up to citizens, not just the government alone, to help foster good relations with the rest of the world, this is done at the citizen level.
Under the People section on the website, it displays a quote from Edward R. Murrow, a journalist,
"The real crucial link in the international exchange is the last three feet, which is bridged by personal contact, one person talking to another."
This is citizen diplomacy exemplified--foreign relations are bridged by personal contact, a one on one dialogue.
Posted Tuesday, October 18, 2011