Making the World A Less Dangerous Place: Lessons Learned from a Career in Diplomacy

A career diplomat analyzes operational principles for successful diplomacy, based on 33 years in the Foreign Service. In this lecture Ambassador Martin Herz discusses peace and the problem of evil in the world; unpleasant but realistic implications of the historical lesson of the balance of power; and the essential facet of diplomacy as intercommunication between countries, not a popularity contest. Ultimately, Herz advises continuity of policy) being predictable in what one promises or threatens to do) as crucial for stability in making the world a less dangerous and more peaceful place. Originally published in 1981 by the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy.