How to be a Diplomat

Reviews / Votes

"A thoughtful and entertaining journey into the world of diplomacy. A must-read for anyone interested in how it really works or aspiring to work as a diplomat."

Baroness Cathy Ashton, former High Representative of the EU

"A vital guide. Diplomacy is sometimes glamorous, often painstakingly slow, but Nick Westcott reminds us that it is the vital hinge that keeps doors and windows open between countries. And that's never been more important than now as a generation of politicians try to slam doors shut."

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General

"Nick Westcott deftly exhibits the mechanics of diplomacy. His eye is acute and original, and, valuably, he can draw on the experience of both professional diplomat and seasoned academic: a must read for anyone who wants to understand the world today."

Zeinab Badawi, Journalist, filmmaker, writer and President of SOAS

"This book provides a precious insight into what diplomacy is today, in real life, with accurate and sharp descriptions, thoughtful analysis, and a style that makes it a pleasure to read. Nick shares stories, lessons learned and wisdom that are bringing us to the heart of an exceptional practitioner's experience: that of serving for decades one of the best national diplomatic services, and the European Union's unique "external action service", in years of turbulent transitions. A must read for all those interested in how diplomacy works in real life!"

Federica Mogherini, Rector of College of Europe, Bruges and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (2015-2020) and Italian Foreign Minister

"Anyone working in international relations needs to understand how it gets done in practice, and this book is a practical, readable and wonderfully witty guide to the diplomatic arts, illustrated with the kind of observations that can only come from deep experience of the whole range of diplomatic activities."

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House "A thoughtful and entertaining journey into the world of diplomacy. A must-read for anyone interested in how it really works or aspiring to work as a diplomat."

Baroness Cathy Ashton, former High Representative of the EU

"A vital guide. Diplomacy is sometimes glamorous, often painstakingly slow, but Nick Westcott reminds us that it is the vital hinge that keeps doors and windows open between countries. And that's never been more important than now as a generation of politicians try to slam doors shut."

Lord Mark Malloch-Brown, former UN Deputy Secretary-General

"Nick Westcott deftly exhibits the mechanics of diplomacy. His eye is acute and original, and, valuably, he can draw on the experience of both professional diplomat and seasoned academic: a must read for anyone who wants to understand the world today."

Zeinab Badawi, Journalist, filmmaker, writer and President of SOAS

"This book provides a precious insight into what diplomacy is today, in real life, with accurate and sharp descriptions, thoughtful analysis, and a style that makes it a pleasure to read. Nick shares stories, lessons learned and wisdom that are bringing us to the heart of an exceptional practitioner's experience: that of serving for decades one of the best national diplomatic services, and the European Union's unique "external action service", in years of turbulent transitions. A must read for all those interested in how diplomacy works in real life!"

Federica Mogherini, Rector of College of Europe, Bruges and former EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs (2015-2020) and Italian Foreign Minister

"Anyone working in international relations needs to understand how it gets done in practice, and this book is a practical, readable and wonderfully witty guide to the diplomatic arts, illustrated with the kind of observations that can only come from deep experience of the whole range of diplomatic activities."

Bronwen Maddox, Director and Chief Executive of Chatham House