Diplomacy

While working as a diplomat at the US embassy in post-Soviet Kazakhstan, Andy Weber got an odd question from his auto mechanic:

Are you interested in purchasing some uranium?

“Strange things were happening at that time,” Weber told 80,000 Hours in an interview. “So I didn’t just dismiss it out of hand.”

His superiors were sceptical that the uranium really existed, but Weber pursued the lead for months. Weber’s instincts paid off. Eventually, this tip helped the US recover 600 kg of uranium from an insecure facility in northeast Kazakhstan. Had a hostile actor acquired the material instead, they wouldn’t even have had to enrich it — it was already weapons-grade.

Though the work of international diplomacy isn’t typically as urgent and high-stakes as discovering nuclear weapons materials, these careers offer significant opportunities for making a positive impact on the world.

This article was written by authors with a combined 20 years of experience working in US diplomacy. The views expressed in this piece are the authors’ and do not represent those of the US government. We thank Andy Weber and Jasmine Dhaliwal for commenting on an earlier draft.

Why might a career in diplomacy be high-impact?

The world faces a complex array of challenges that cross national borders — including climate change, armed conflicts, economic instability, dangerous new technologies (e.g. artificial intelligence), and the erosion of liberal democracy. Many of these problems need international solutions, and diplomats play important roles coordinating these efforts.

A diplomat is a public official appointed by a government to represent their country’s foreign policy and interests abroad. Diplomats work in a variety of ways to facilitate international relations, including conducting government-to-government negotiations, supporting multilateral organisations, building relationships with another country’s civil society and private sector, and helping their fellow citizens overseas.

Historically, diplomatic interventions have helped solve major global problems. One prominent example is how diplomatic efforts played a crucial role in reducing the risk of nuclear catastrophe. A series of treaties between the US and the Soviet Union — starting with SALT I in 1972 — have helped reduce the size and threat of their nuclear arsenals.

Solving a major international challenge is rare. But avoiding major missteps or errors in foreign policy is a daily responsibility for diplomats. Preventing a stubborn problem from spiralling into a crisis rarely makes front page headlines, but this is where diplomats often deliver the most value.

Some of the most high-impact roles may involve:

• Being the lead negotiator working to prevent or resolve major armed conflicts
• Serving as ambassador to key nations and being the main liaison managing that relationship
• Taking on senior advisory roles developing strategies for issues like nuclear risk reduction
• Assembling an international coalition in multilateral fora like the United Nations to confront threats
• Coordinating international action on challenges from emerging technology, such as advanced bioweapons and artificial intelligence

Despite their importance, there are relatively few diplomats compared to some other roles in public policy. According to the US Department of State, the Foreign Service employs 8,000 generalists. The entire US Department of State employs around 78,000 people worldwide, whereas the US Department of Defense has around three million military and civilian employees.¹

Those who can rise to the top of the diplomatic profession, especially within a major power like the US, can wield outsized influence.

Many aspects of diplomacy are weak or neglected. Most diplomats today lack technical or scientific training, two skill sets that will be increasingly necessary to address many of the world’s most pressing problems. And diplomacy is often criticised for being far too homogenous, lacking diverse perspectives on complicated problems.

So there’s a lot that promising people might contribute in this field. If you have the capabilities to become an elite diplomat tasked with resolving conflicts, crafting international agreements, or developing strategies to address global threats, you could contribute immensely to improving lives and reducing major risks over your career. Even without reaching the highest ranks in diplomacy, you can still make a significant positive impact by contributing to the resolution of big problems.

There are two key ways to think about the positive impact of a diplomat:

1. Contributing to the quality of international relations generally: This approach has widespread benefits for the world by reducing the risk of catastrophic conflict and increasing the chance that humanity can productively tackle pressing global problems. For example, you might work on generally managing peaceful international relations. This model of impact is more robust to different future scenarios but may make it less clear whether you are having a direct effect.

2. Focusing on specific world problems or threats: This approach involves addressing specific issues such as the risk of Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, mitigating climate change, or bioweapon threat reduction. This model provides clearer cases of counterfactual impact but is more sensitive to whether your specific theory of change is correct (e.g. whether nuclear non-proliferation is the best strategy).

As a diplomat, you might not agree with nor be in a position to influence your country’s approach to a specific world problem. You’ll still gain a nuanced understanding of the system and could more credibly advance alternative perspectives at a later date.

Even if you don’t end up committing to a lifelong career in diplomacy, the experience can serve as valuable career capital. You can retain significant expertise and influence in shaping foreign policy in various roles, just like when congressional aides become lobbyists. Diplomacy builds expertise in complex international environments, teaches effective communication and negotiation skills, and provides credibility.

How much can a diplomat really influence policy?

Policymaking is a skill. It requires not only expertise on the policy issue itself, but also the ability to navigate a complicated interagency bureaucracy. Those who are most successful learn how to jump-start a stubborn bureaucracy into action.

Being a diplomat places one in a position to learn how to master the machine — but not everyone succeeds.

Diplomats are often at the centre of history-making events. As detailed in former US Secretary of State George Shultz’s memoir Turmoil and Triumph, skilled American diplomacy during the Cold War helped restrict the proliferation of nuclear weapons to just a handful of nations. By negotiating multiple non-proliferation treaties, American diplomats played a pivotal role in preventing potentially catastrophic nuclear conflicts during a highly unstable period.

Other examples of diplomats plausibly having a direct positive impact include:

• Ralph Bunche‘s instrumental role in the formation and early administration of the United Nations and establishment of UN peacekeeping operations
• Mexican diplomat Patricia Espinosa’s leadership during her appointment as Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) from 2016, where she spearheaded the global implementation of the Paris Agreement
• Richard Holbrooke’s persistent negotiations leading to the 1995 Dayton Accords that ended the Bosnian War
• Susan Rice’s push to have the US military intervene to fight the 2014 Ebola outbreak in West Africa
• Prudence Bushnell’s efforts to prevent the Rwandan Genocide and her leadership during the 1998 Kenyan Embassy bombing, where she pushed for improved security and managed crisis response
• Mike Pompeo’s account of defusing 2019 India-Pakistan nuclear tensions

It’s crucial to be realistic about the limitations of diplomatic influence. Foreign policy decisions are complex, shaped by a multitude of factors including domestic politics, economic interests, and international pressures. Many diplomats will end up in geopolitically insignificant assignments or lack the influence to shape high-profile policies.

The degree of influence a diplomat wields depends on factors such as seniority, expertise, relationships, the specific context, and being in the right place at the right time. The unpredictable nature of global affairs can create unexpected opportunities for influence and impact.

A seemingly mundane assignment can quickly become high-stakes due to unforeseen events, such as when Russia launched its invasion against Ukraine in 2014, or when a desperate protester in Tunisia sparked the Arab Spring in 2010.

Even early-career diplomats can make an impact by strategically prioritising high-impact projects, a crucial skill given the multitude of important issues competing for a diplomat’s attention. If you rise through the ranks (which can take decades), your potential to influence policy grows.

Becoming an Ambassador is a rare achievement; there are only roughly 200 Ambassador positions worldwide, while there are over 8,000 foreign service officer generalists (specialists are not typically considered for ambassadorships).

What does the day to day normally look like in diplomacy?

Occasionally you meet somebody who’s not a good team player, who’s more focused on themself than on the mission. And if you’re going into this… The true public servant isn’t so much worried about themselves or their own careers, what motivates them and what they care about is the mission, it’s making the world safer.

The ability to network and build partnerships within the government — and in my case, within the Department of Defense, which is a massive operation across the US government, with inter-agency partners. I worked very closely, for example, with the CDC director in Atlanta on the whole range of biological threat issues, and then internationally. So many of these problems are global, we have to work with our allies and partners around the world on these common problems. So it’s building the relationships, the trust, the respect, it’s being a good listener. It’s very important.

Andy Weber

Diplomatic work is often fast-paced with unexpected events and rapidly evolving situations demanding swift responses and adaptability. Diplomats must be prepared to work under pressure, navigate complex scenarios, and make informed decisions with limited information.

In the United States and the United Kingdom, foreign service officers are called “generalists” because they must be prepared to master a wide variety of tasks. These include political reporting and policy implementation, economic analysis, business relations, citizen and consular services, management and administration, press affairs, cultural diplomacy, and more.

Many diplomats will spend a majority of their careers living in foreign countries, often in vastly different cultural environments and far from their families and support systems. This element of the profession demands resilience, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to thrive in unfamiliar settings. Diplomats expand their government’s network by cultivating relationships and understanding with local stakeholders, enhancing awareness and opportunities.

Talented diplomats serve as weather-vanes for changing winds within political systems, such as when George Kennan penned his famous telegram alerting the US government to the long-term dangers lurking within the Soviet system.

Almost any foreign policy will involve many diplomats at various levels, from those researching and drafting memos, to high-level officials authorising decisions, to diplomats in the field working to implement the objectives in dynamic environments.

At the entry-level and mid-level, diplomats working abroad often draft “diplomatic cables,” or reports conveying information, assessments, and recommendations from embassies to government headquarters, in this way shaping foreign policy. Developing recommendations on the next course of action requires analytical skills and understanding of political, economic, and cultural dynamics to inform decision-makers.

Not all diplomatic work takes place abroad. Many diplomats spend significant periods at their respective headquarters, such as the US Department of State in Washington, DC. When there, they may engage in policy formulation, strategic planning, and interagency coordination — an office job.

Both at headquarters and abroad, diplomats often prepare higher-ranking officials for engagements with foreign counterparts, conducting research and ensuring leaders have the necessary knowledge to achieve their aim.

Personal Fit for a Diplomatic Career

Some key traits that will help you succeed in the Foreign Service — in addition to general intellectual capabilities and useful knowledge — include:

• Patience and tolerance for bureaucracy: The diplomatic world often moves slowly and navigating bureaucratic processes requires patience and persistence. Diplomats must be comfortable working within established systems and procedures, many of which will feel tedious and irrational.
• Interpersonal skills and judgement: Diplomats constantly interact with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills are crucial for building trust, resolving conflicts, and advancing policy objectives. Sound judgement in the face of complex situations with limited information is also essential.
• Adaptability and resilience: Living abroad and navigating different cultures requires openness to new experiences, a willingness to embrace challenges, and an ability to maintain a positive attitude in the face of adversity. Successful diplomats are comfortable with ambiguity and can adapt to changing circumstances, because the work often has shifting priorities and unexpected challenges.

How to Get Started

A diplomacy career can have different starting points, particularly in the US, where many diplomats enter for a second phase of their career.

Degrees in international relations, political science, economics, law, and languages can be beneficial and help with the Foreign Service Officer Test, but they are not strictly required. Graduate degrees can also enhance credentials and provide deeper expertise.

Programmes like the Rangel and Pickering Fellowships provide US citizens without graduate degrees with an additional pathway into US diplomacy. These highly competitive fellowships, which accept fewer than 50 people each year, are designed to prepare individuals from diverse backgrounds for careers in diplomacy and include funding for graduate school.

Internships in any part of the government can provide particularly strong insight into public service and policymaking processes. Relevant internships include the State Department’s Pathways Internship Program, the Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) internship, and internships with other agencies such as USAID and the Department of Defense. Conducting policy-relevant research, working abroad, engaging in public service, and being involved in campus or community organisations can also build relevant skills and experiences.

International readers should be aware that requirements and career trajectories can vary significantly by country. Some nations may expect a more focused early career in global affairs, while others, like the US, accommodate a wide range of professional backgrounds.

Most countries incorporate background checks and tests as part of the recruitment process, so maintaining a clean record is crucial.

The most common main paths into diplomacy include:

• The US Foreign Service: Joining the US. State Department as a foreign service officer puts you on the path to serve at embassies and consulates around the world. Diplomats can rise to become ambassadors or join the senior ranks back in Washington shaping policy and strategy. The typical path is taking the Foreign Service Officer Test to become a Generalist diplomat handling a broad range of work at US embassies and consulates. You can also apply to join as a Specialist in specific areas like diplomatic security, medicine, office management, human resources, IT, etc.
• Other foreign services: Many countries recruit diplomats through competitive exams and offer prestigious diplomatic academies. Serving as a diplomat in a smaller nation could potentially lead to faster career advancement and greater influence than citizens in larger countries are likely to experience.
• Civil service: You can also begin your career by joining the staff of government foreign affairs agencies, such as the Washington-based roles at the Department of State, London-based roles in the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, or the equivalent for your country. Developing expertise in a specific region or issue can pave the way to becoming a senior advisor, shaping a nation’s foreign policy strategy from within the government or an influential organisation.
• Political appointments: Senior positions in foreign affairs agencies or embassies are often filled by political appointees. Individuals are chosen for their expertise, connections, or support for the administration’s agenda. These positions can offer significant influence over policy, but they are typically not permanent and may change with each new administration.
• International multilateral organisations: International multilateral organisations like the UN, EU, NATO, and World Bank are deeply integrated into international diplomacy with national diplomats and governments to inform and coordinate policies, negotiations, and programmes on global issues. Some staff at these organisations are dedicated to their host governments and some work directly for the organisation itself. Working at these organisations provides experience in multilateral diplomacy and exposure to a wide range of international challenges.

How do you become a diplomat?

Disclaimer: This section is oriented towards the US system as it’s the system we are most familiar with. The process for becoming a diplomat in other countries can vary significantly.

There are three general pathways to becoming a US diplomat: join the Foreign Service, Civil Service, or become a political appointee.

The Foreign Service is the group most readily associated with US diplomacy. It is a hierarchical career service, like the military, in which you join at the bottom and work your way up. The path to becoming a foreign service officer (FSO) typically involves the following steps (though a variety of programmes and fellowships let you skip some of these steps):

1. Take the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT): This is a computerised exam assessing your knowledge of US history, government, economics, and world events, as well as your English expression and situational judgement. The application to take the FSOT opens for five weeks three times each year.

2. Pass the Qualifications Evaluation Panel (QEP): If you pass the FSOT, your application (including essays and resume) will be reviewed by a QEP to assess your skills, experience, and potential for success as an FSO.

3. Complete the Foreign Service Officer Assessment (FSOA): Next, you’ll take a day-long assessment evaluating your communication, leadership, interpersonal skills, and ability to work under pressure through group exercises, simulations, and structured interviews.

4. Obtain medical and security clearances: Then, you’ll need to pass a comprehensive medical examination and undergo a thorough background investigation.

5. Get on the FSO Register: Successful candidates are placed on the FSO Register, a ranked list from which the State Department hires new FSOs. The time frame for being selected from the register can vary depending on hiring needs. If you’re not selected within 18 months, you will be removed from the register and will need to reapply.

Civil service officers are typically hired for a particular role, usually in Washington, DC. They tend to have a specific expertise and specialisation, such as nuclear weapons verification. To get a job as a civil servant, you have to submit an application through USAjobs.

The US State Department also houses many political appointees. Getting one of these plum positions generally requires a personal relationship with the president’s team and a lot of seniority. Some junior staffers can get political appointments after working on the president’s campaign.

Other places you might gain and use diplomatic skills

In addition to working in the US foreign service or the equivalent in another country, you can also use similar diplomatic skills in roles at international organisations, think tanks, and elsewhere. Other places you might work to have an impact with diplomatic skills — either before, after, or instead of working in the foreign service — include:

• Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
• The United Nations (e.g. in the Office for Disarmament Affairs)
• The World Health Organisation
• The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
• The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations
• The Council on Strategic Risks
• The Nuclear Threat Initiative
• The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization
• The International Atomic Energy Agency
• The European Union (e.g. in the European AI Office)

What are some upsides of working in diplomacy?

• Substantive work from the start: Unlike some fields like think tanks, even entry-level diplomats are entrusted with substantive work on critical issues. You’ll have the chance to contribute meaningfully to your country’s foreign policy efforts, regardless of your prior experience.
• Potential for impact on global challenges: International diplomacy can sometimes make a big positive difference on large world problems, as discussed above.
• In the room where it happens: As a diplomat, you can be a participant in events that will appear the following day on the front page of newspapers around the world, including decisions about war and peace, history-making meetings, and pivotal policy announcements.
• Insight into foreign policymaking: You’ll gain firsthand experience in how foreign policy is made and implemented, witnessing the inner workings of international relations.
• Reputational benefits: Diplomacy is a well-respected career path with many desired and transferable skills.
• Stable career with a variety of opportunities: Diplomacy offers a stable career path with opportunities to develop expertise in various regions and policy areas. You can switch portfolios and explore different roles throughout your career.
• Support for living abroad: Diplomats typically receive housing allowances, assistance with school fees for children, and other benefits that make living abroad more feasible.
• Language and cultural immersion: You’ll have the chance to learn new languages and immerse yourself in different cultures.

What are some downsides of working in diplomacy?

• Cog in the machine: While diplomats have unique access and insights, foreign policy is always shaped by many factors. Your influence will be limited, especially early in your career.
• Difficulty measuring impact: It can be challenging to directly attribute policy outcomes to individual contributions, making it difficult to gauge your impact on the world.
• Policy priorities may not align with personal values: The foreign policy priorities of your country may not align with the most pressing global issues or your core beliefs.
• Frequent moves and living far from family and friends: Frequent moves and postings in far-flung locations can strain personal relationships and make it difficult to maintain close ties with loved ones.
• Limited control over early posting locations: Diplomats are assigned to postings based on the needs of the service, not personal preferences.
• Potential for Danger: While most diplomatic postings are safe, some countries pose risks due to political instability, conflict, or natural disasters. Diplomats may face security threats or challenging living conditions.

Further resources

• An overview of the US State Department from Emerging Tech Policy Careers
• 5 steps to becoming a foreign service officer from the US Department of State
• Improving China-Western coordination on global catastrophic risks
• American foreign policy decision-making at the agency level: The Department of State as exemplar? in fp21
• Podcast: Andy Weber on rendering bioweapons obsolete and ending the new nuclear arms race