Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform Receives Praise from AFSA
In a recent book review featured on the American Foreign Service Association’s (AFSA) website, the recently published “Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation,” co-edited by Ambassador Paul Hare, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies and Interim Director of the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS), has been recommended to readers. AFSA, the professional body representing both current and retired US Foreign Service officers, highlighted the handbook in its November review, acknowledging its significance in addressing the often-overlooked global issue of diplomacy.
The review, authored by AFSA, opens with a powerful assertion that “diplomacy is a neglected global issue” and underscores its importance as a public good that requires nurturing. The handbook, a collaborative effort featuring contributions from 40 scholars and practitioners representing more than 30 countries, including featured chapters from Amb. Jorge Heine, as well as Amb. Mark Storella, and Amb. Vesko Garčević, offers innovative ideas to improve and reform diplomatic practices
One of the key areas explored in the handbook is the impact of the “digital revolution” on diplomacy. Contributors analyze various global organizations and ministries, advocating for their reform to align with the demands of our interconnected world. Emphasizing that many diplomatic norms were established over six decades ago, the review suggests the need for updating institutions such as the United Nations and finding roles for technology-focused companies.
The recognition from AFSA reinforces the handbook’s standing as a valuable resource for those seeking to understand and navigate the evolving landscape of international relations. As the professional body representing the expertise of US Foreign Service officers, AFSA’s endorsement adds significant weight to the Palgrave Handbook’s contribution to the discourse on diplomatic reform.
Ambassador Paul Hare was a British diplomat for 30 years and the British ambassador to Cuba from 2001-04. He now teaches classes at Boston University on Diplomatic Practice, Arms Control, Intercultural Communication, and on Cuba in Transition. His novel, “Moncada — A Cuban Story,” set in modern Cuba, was published in 2010. His book, “Making Diplomacy Work; Intelligent Innovation for the Modern World” was published in 2015. Learn more about him here.
Ambassador Mark C. Storella was a United States Foreign Service Officer for over three decades serving as Ambassador to Zambia, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees, and Migration, and Dean of the Leadership and Management School of the Foreign Service Institute. Storella is a recipient of the Presidential Rank Award, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Excellence in Service Award, the Thomas Jefferson Award presented by American Citizens Abroad, and several Department of State superior and meritorious honor awards. Learn more about Ambassador Storella on his faculty profile.
Ambassador Jorge Heine is a Research Professor at the Pardee School of Global Studies at Boston University. He has served as ambassador of Chile to China (2014-2017), to India (2003-2007), and to South Africa (1994-1999), and as a Cabinet Minister in the Chilean Government. Read more about Ambassador Heine on his Pardee School faculty profile.
Ambassador Vesko Garčević dealt with issues pertinent to European security and NATO for almost 14 years during his diplomatic career. In 2004, he was posted in Vienna to serve as Ambassador to Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. He was Montenegro’s Ambassador to NATO from 2010 until 2014 and served as Montenegro’s National Coordinator for NATO from 2015 until he joined the faculty at the Pardee School. Learn more about Ambassador Garčević on his faculty profile.