On 18 March 2024, twenty students from the American Grand Strategy course in the Department of International Relations at LSE visited the US Embassy in London for their event “Dialogue with American Diplomats” for Diplomacy Day. BSc IR student Meaghan Power-Pollitt shares her thoughts on the day.
Due to Chatham House Rules, I cannot directly quote or discuss most points shared by the expert panel at the event.
The Diplomacy Day event offered students of American Grand Strategy a unique opportunity to explore US-UK diplomatic relations at the US embassy.
As we waited to pass through rigorous security measures, we could not help but discuss the grandeur of the newly-built US embassy and how its towering edifice hints at American hegemony and power. When we entered the embassy, we spent some time wandering the halls, admiring the modern architecture and the Hall of Portraits, ordained with gold accents and vivid colours.
The day commenced with an expert panel featuring distinguished diplomats who shared their wealth of experiences and insights. From Lisa Pitzel’s poignant introduction to Deputy Chief Matt Palmer’s captivating narrative of dedication and sacrifice, each speaker helped students understand the challenges and rewards inherent in diplomatic service.
The Panelists, including Rodney Ford, Joseph Pennington, Virginia Murray, and Neil Garden, offered diverse perspectives in their respective fields within diplomacy. Their discussions ranged from public affairs and political relations to economic cooperation and military collaboration, highlighting the multifaceted nature of modern diplomacy.
the importance of understanding and representing the interests of one’s country while fostering constructive relationships with allies and adversaries alike
During the engaging Q&A session that followed, the panelists shed light on the essence of diplomacy, emphasising the importance of understanding and representing the interests of one’s country while fostering constructive relationships with allies and adversaries alike. They candidly shared their experiences navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, from managing conflicts to internalising personal biases to advocating for policy changes within the corridors of power.
Though their experiences and answers differed, they all discussed how there is serendipity and honour in representing your country, despite personal or financial sacrifices a diplomat may have to make.
there is serendipity and honour in representing your country, despite personal or financial sacrifices a diplomat may have to make
This resonated with me. Though there are many setbacks to this career choice, diplomacy does offer an opportunity to make a difference in the world both on a micro and macro level. It allows for immersion and understanding of different cultures.
As the day progressed, students participated in breakout sessions where they delved into pressing global issues such as countering state threats, AI security, and the ongoing Russo-Ukraine war and Israel’s war on Gaza. Students were eager to share their thoughts, and the discussions were provoking.
The event left a lasting impression on all participants, giving us a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to pursue careers in International Relations. As we left the embassy, we carried with us a deeper understanding of diplomacy’s significance and a heightened commitment to actively shaping our collective future. For a day, we stepped into the complex and riveting world of diplomacy as participants, not bystanders.
The event left a lasting impression on all participants, giving us a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to pursue careers in International Relations.
Report by Meaghan Power-Pollitt, BSc International Relations
Banner photo from US Embassy Flickr CC by-ND 2.0 DEED
This article represents the views of the author, and not the position of the Department of International Relations, nor of the London School of Economics.
