David Bruce and Diplomatic Practice An American Ambassador in London, 1961-9

by Young, John W.

• ISBN13: 9781441112019
• ISBN10: 1441112014
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2014-05-08
• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic

Summary

David Bruce (1898-1977) was a prominent American diplomat, who served in France, Germany, and the UK. His work is examined here to provide an in-depth look at the practice of diplomacy and the role of the ambassador as diplomatic actor.

This thorough survey aims to investigate the relevance of the resident embassy to modern diplomacy. To do so, it focuses on the ambassador's daily work as a diplomat, looking at his role in promoting friendly relations, his political reporting, policy advising, as well as the role of his staff and his relations with others in the Foreign Service. It also addresses major issues such as the debate over the 'death of the embassy,' showing that ambassadors remain vital actors in the relations between major powers.

The work integrates theoretical material on diplomatic practice and the case study of a highly regarded diplomat. This unique, readable study will appeal to students in diplomacy, international relations, American politics, as well as to trainee and junior diplomats.

Author Biography

John Young holds the Chair of International History at the University of Nottingham, UK. He is the author of Twentieth Century Diplomacy: a case study in British practice, 1963-76 (2008) and co-edited Ambassador to Sixties London: the diaries of David Bruce, 1961-69 (2010).

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Managing the Embassy
3. Political Reporting and Policy Advice
4. Consulting Washington
5. Engaging the British Government
6. Engaging British Society
7. The Diplomatic Corps
8. The 'death of the embassy'?
9. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index