The Rationale for the Diplomat’s Handbook

In recent years, diplomacy as practiced by many democratic nations has taken on more of a human face. Whereas once the conduct of diplomatic relations was strictly on a state-to-state basis, today, Ambassadors and diplomats are much more likely to engage the publics of the host countries and not exclusively government officials. Embassies and Consulates are ready vehicles and brokers promoting contact and communications between the peoples and nongovernmental organizations....continue

National Endowment for Democracy Contributes

The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) has contributed to the Diplomat's Handbook project by co-sponsoring upcoming training sessions in Eastern and Western Europe. These conferences will be hosted by the College of Europe and will take place this spring. NED has also contributed to the publication and printing of the Handbook.

Diplomat's Handbook Featured in Foreign Service Journal

A write-up on the Diplomat's Handbook appears in the November 2008 edition of the American Foreign Service Association's (AFSA) Foreign Service Journal, which can be viewed by clicking here.

Washington Launch of Diplomat's Handbook

The American launch of the Diplomat's Handbook will be hosted by the Ambassador Joao de Vallera of Portugal at the end of October in Washington, DC. This event follows up the European launch of the Diplomat's Handbook in Estoril, Portugal.

Government of Lithuania Contributes to the Diplomat's Handbook

The government of Lithua has made a financial contribution to the Diplomat's Handbook project, joining other donor countries Canada, Chile, India, Morocco and the United States.

US, Portugal and Lithuania Praise Diplomat's Handbook as a "concrete action" in Support of Global Democracy

In a 15 September op/ed in the Washington Times, U.S. Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky, Portuguese Ambassador to the U.S.  Joao de Vallera and Lithuanian Ambassador to the U.S. Audrius Bruzga describe the Diplomat’s Handbook as one of a number of “concrete actions” by the Community of Democracies in support of global democracy.  In the op/ed, the authors acknowledge the success of the CD in “developing and distributing the "Diplomat's Handbook for Democracy Development Support" - a ‘democracy toolbox’ of best practices for diplomats to engage and assist civil society groups...”  Please click here to read the article in its entirety. 

1st Print Edition of Diplomat's Handbook Completed

The first print edition of the Diplomat's Handbook has been completed and published. The additions in the latest version of the Handbook include: Edits to Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4; Edits to the South Africa, Ukraine, Chile and Belrus Case Studies; the addition of a Preface, written by President Vaclav Havel (leader of Velvet Revolution, Czechoslovakia); addition of a foreword from the Foreign Ministers of Portgual and Poland, ; addition of Case Studies for Burma/Myanmar, Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Please check back for more updates on events surrounding the launch of the Diplomat's Handbook, to take place this summer in Europe and the United States.

The Handbook Forum: Contribute Your Ideas

A full edition of the Diplomat’s Handbook is scheduled for publication at the end of April 2008. It will include a number of new case studies documenting how diplomats of democratic countries have made a difference in assisting those advocating democratic change, especially democratic leaders of civil society. Despite our best efforts our research will reveal only the tip of the iceberg. Furthermore, we regard the work of the Handbook as never ending. Change is happening...continue

If you are interested in obtaining a copy of the Diplomat's Handbook, please contact info@dipliomatshandbook.org