I think western diplomats are just so used to being listened to and obeyed that they’ve forgotten what actual “diplomacy” looks like. Either that or any diplomat who complains about their orders (because they actually understand geopolitics and don’t want other nations to “kiss the ring”) just gets fired for insolence or something.
Considering diplomacy these days amounts to getting up and walking out of the room to get kudos from the public rather than talk to the people they disagree with (which is literally their job) I am not remotely surprised.
If it were up to me, any diplomat pulling that kind of stunt would be instantly replaced. Only talking to people who already agree with you isn’t particularly useful most of the time.
I think western diplomats are just so used to being listened to and obeyed that they’ve forgotten what actual “diplomacy” looks like. Either that or any diplomat who complains about their orders (because they actually understand geopolitics and don’t want other nations to “kiss the ring”) just gets fired for insolence or something.
Considering diplomacy these days amounts to getting up and walking out of the room to get kudos from the public rather than talk to the people they disagree with (which is literally their job) I am not remotely surprised.
If it were up to me, any diplomat pulling that kind of stunt would be instantly replaced. Only talking to people who already agree with you isn’t particularly useful most of the time.