Summary Of William Burns Advice To American Diplomats

On October 24, 2014, Ambassador Kurt Volker mentioned that in the workforce, diplomats, ambassadors, military personnel, etc., must accept risk; if risk is not acknowledged, then goals cannot be achieved—this is true. For instance, by 2030, the United Nations hopes to achieve specific targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Nevertheless, during the next thirteen years, diplomats, politicians, and other individuals will take risks—in order to achieve specific targets of the SDGs. This written report will focus on one of William Burns’ advice to American diplomats. The advice was mentioned during the Risk, Recruitment and Retention: Engaging Foreign Public in High Threat Environments conference, in Washington D.C, on October 24,

In fact, today, diplomacy continues to be the world’s most misunderstood profession (Burns, 2014). Thus, one should ask himself or herself the following: What would the world look like with diplomacy? It is pivotal for humanity to realize that a world without diplomacy with put an end to the following: International relations, the conducting of negotiations, the forming of alliances, and the discussing of agreements. Nonetheless, in “10 Parting Thoughts for America’s Diplomats” (2014), Burns states: “…the United States needs a core of professional diplomats with skills and experience to pursue American interests abroad…” (p. 2). Burns wants future generations to understand that one’s experiences in the working world are important. For instance, today, Burns is able to share his 33 years of experience at the United States Department of State with young

For instance, today, it is evident that American civilians who pursue careers in diplomacy and development will forever be at imminent risk. Nonetheless, after watching “Risk, Recruitment and Retention: Engaging Foreign Publics in High Threat Environments” conference on YouTube, I asked myself the following questions: Why was John Christopher Stevens, former United States Ambassador to Libya, forced to meet his death at a young age? Can humanity ensure “zero-risk” environments for its citizens? Taking cautious precautions to protect American diplomats aboard is pivotal; however, it is also vital for one to understand that the United States must learn, as well as “…apply the painful lessons of terrible tragedies like the loss of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other colleagues in Benghazi, Libya, two years ago” (Burns, 2014, p. 7). Burns is attempting to inform future diplomats that his or her bravery, love for humanity, and patriotism will enable him or her to realize that hiding behind the walls of an embassy rebels against the true meaning of diplomacy (Burns,