Khaberni - The traditional perspective often confines the role of the ambassador to formal protocols and closed meetings with senior officials. While these form the foundation of diplomatic work, they are not sufficient alone. Effective diplomacy is the art of understanding, and this understanding is gleaned from the diverse field reality of the host society: from its streets and countryside, its cultural and intellectual elites, its universities, and its civil society and political parties.
From my field experience as a former diplomat and ambassador, restricting ambassadors' communication only to official and governmental channels represents a superficial reading of the concept of "public diplomacy." There are various political forces, influential cultural elites, civil society opinion leaders, media personnel, owners of emerging economic projects, and ambitious youth with diverse visions. Thus, understanding these active dynamics in any country not only gives the ambassador a deeper insight but also makes him capable of anticipating changes, understanding influential and diverse currents that may shape the future of the country.
The direct encounters that any ambassador conducts with various segments of the society—from farmers and youth to businesswomen and elites—grant the ambassador a vibrant understanding of reality, revealing challenges and aspirations that might not appear in official reports. This deep understanding enables the embassy to design cooperation and assistance programs accurately, to suit the actual needs and not just theoretical ones.
Moreover, building a broad network of relationships with different spectrums of society creates a valuable trust asset. Governments change, but societies remain. During periods of tension or crises, these bridges form vital communication channels that help maintain mutual understanding.
How can an ambassador defend his country's economic interests without understanding the local business environment from within? Or how can an ambassador promote culture and education while isolated from the cultural scene? Direct communication with various components opens doors and opportunities for cooperation and builds the defense of interests based on complete and solid knowledge.
Some may criticize this approach as a "breach of norms and protocols," but in reality, it is the essence of "public diplomacy" encouraged by international frameworks when conducted transparently and respectfully.
A smart ambassador is one who clarifies to the officials of the host country the nature and benefits of these contacts for the bilateral relationship.
I conclude by saying that in a complex and interconnected world, the role of the ambassador is no longer just that of a traditional protocol officer. Rather, he is an analyst and a bridge-builder. Thus, communicating with all components of the host society is not a luxury, but a professional necessity imposed by the nature of diplomatic work in the twenty-first century. It is the strongest means to understand the world and be able to impact it positively, serving national interests and enhancing international cooperation.
