The Foreign Service Journal, September 2017

THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | SEPTEMBER 2017 27 Knowledge of history, area studies and current international affairs is not, by itself, sufficient to make an effective diplomat. It’s Practical Training the Next Generation of Diplomats Ambassador (ret.) Edward “Skip” Gnehm is Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at the Elliott School of International Affairs at The George Washington University. He is also a member of the Middle East faculty and director of the Middle East Policy Forum. Amb. Gnehm retired from a 36-year Foreign Service career in 2004. He served as ambassa- dor to Jordan (2001-2004), Australia (2000-2001) and Kuwait (1991-1994). He also served as deputy permanent repre- sentative to the U.N., as the Director General of the Foreign Service and director of personnel of the Department of State (1997-2000) and as deputy secretary of Defense (1987-1989). He also served as deputy assistant secretary of State for the Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula. Other assignments included tours in Vietnam, Nepal, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia and Lebanon. BY EDWARD “ SK I P ” GNEHM COVER STORY he student stood up and posed this question: “Given the new administration’s severe cuts to the State Department’s budget, as well as the seeming intent to marginalize diplomacy, should I continue to pursue a career in international affairs in the government?” I hear this question repeat- edly from students keenly aspiring to join the U.S. Foreign Service or other U.S. agencies focused on international affairs. For me, budget cuts notwith- standing, there is but one answer: “There is always a need for effective diplomacy. There has never been a time when it was more important for you to pursue your dream to join the Foreign Service. America needs you and others like you.” As I pondered that exchange over the next few days, however, the question consuming me was: What should I, and indeed my university, be doing to ensure that this aspiring student is well-trained and ready for the challenges of our profession? Are universities graduating students with the skills they need to suc- ceed in the Foreign Service? In reflecting on what it means to teach diplomacy, one comes to a stark conclusion: Knowledge of history, area studies and current international affairs is not, by itself, sufficient to make an effective diplomat. At its core, there is a combination of practi- cal skills that define an effective diplomat, and these range from verbal and written communication to problem-solving and leadership. Integrating the full range of skills necessary for a suc- T