It's the same old us. So let me set out some aspects of diplomacy that still remain in place, then identify key changes brought on by the information revolution, and finally offer some thoughts on what to make of it all. It is the manner, as distinct from the content, of foreign policy. He or she must truly represent us. To make this point, when swearing in new ambassadors, I used to take them over to the big globe in the secretary of state's office and ask them to point out their country.
Diplomacy is a fundamental human activity, conducted between people as well as among nations.
There are many kinds of diplomats. So the proper diplomat must be suited to the mission. So the true diplomat builds and nurtures his base of authority, recognizing that a great bulk of the work related to diplomacy takes place within, as distinct from between, the constituencies involved. Third, the good diplomat wants to know that the other party speaks with authority, so a true agreement can be reached. When this is not so, or when games are played about the structure of authority, or when authority is inherently diffused, the task of the diplomat is much more difficult.