48 min

Diplomacy The Forum

    • Society & Culture

In the 1990s, an advert for a brand of chocolate depicted a sophisticated gathering hosted by the foreign ambassador of an unspecified country. It hinted at a gilded existence of cocktail parties and small talk among influential, wealthy guests. Iszi Lawrence finds out how the stereotype of the diplomatic world compares with the reality of international relations. Who does the real work behind the scenes and who has the power? When we see powerful leaders on the world stage shaking hands and signing treaties, what has led up to that moment?
Iszi discusses first hand experiences of the diplomatic world with the American diplomat Maryum Saifee and the former High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK, Farah Faizal. They are joined by Dr. Lorena de Vita, a historian of diplomatic relations to explain how their work impacts all of us. Plus World Service listeners from across the globe share their thoughts on what diplomats actually do.
Produced by Fiona Clampin for the BBC World Service.

In the 1990s, an advert for a brand of chocolate depicted a sophisticated gathering hosted by the foreign ambassador of an unspecified country. It hinted at a gilded existence of cocktail parties and small talk among influential, wealthy guests. Iszi Lawrence finds out how the stereotype of the diplomatic world compares with the reality of international relations. Who does the real work behind the scenes and who has the power? When we see powerful leaders on the world stage shaking hands and signing treaties, what has led up to that moment?
Iszi discusses first hand experiences of the diplomatic world with the American diplomat Maryum Saifee and the former High Commissioner of Maldives to the UK, Farah Faizal. They are joined by Dr. Lorena de Vita, a historian of diplomatic relations to explain how their work impacts all of us. Plus World Service listeners from across the globe share their thoughts on what diplomats actually do.
Produced by Fiona Clampin for the BBC World Service.

48 min

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Philosophize This!
Stephen West
The Empty Grave of Comrade Bishop
The Washington Post
Mandela: An Audio History
Primedia Broadcasting
He-Whore Podcast
Mr. Bazie, Toolman
To My Sisters
Courtney Daniella Boateng & Renée Kapuku
What My Sis Said
What My Sis Said

More by BBC

The Documentary Podcast
BBC World Service
Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
The Archers Omnibus
BBC Radio 4
Lives Less Ordinary
BBC World Service
CrowdScience
BBC World Service
More or Less: Behind the Stats
BBC Radio 4