This text describes all aspects of the life of a diplomat through various stages of a typical career. It follows a fictional diplomat from his application to join the national diplomatic service through different postings at home and overseas, culminating with his appointment as ambassador and retirement. Each chapter contains case studies based on the author s thirty years of experience as a diplomat, ambassador, and high commissioner. These illustrate key issues such as the role of the diplomat during emergency crises or working as part of a national delegation to a permanent conference, such as the United Nations."