THE EFFECTIVE

AMBASSADOR
A Practical Handbook

BY THE FUTURE LEADERS TASK FORCE

OF THE PACIFIC COUNCIL ON INTERNATIONAL POLICY
November 2016

The Effective Ambassador Page 1

FUTURE LEADERS TASK FORCE
The Future Leaders Task Force is comprised of young professionals from the
business and legal fields in Los Angeles. All are members of the Pacific Council
on International Policy. Their work – which included extensive research and
interviews over the course of more than a year – was pursued independently;
their views and opinions do not necessarily reflect any official policy or position
of the Pacific Council.

Learn more about the independent, non-partisan Pacific Council at

www.pacificcouncil.org.

CHAIR
Adam Nathanson
President & CEO, Mapleton Investments, LLC

MEMBERS
Paul C. de Bernier
Partner, Mayer Brown LLP

Hans Gustafsson
Tax Partner, Holthouse Carlin & Van Trigt LLP

Brett Johnson
Vice President, Goldman, Sachs & Co.

Nili T. Moghaddam
Counsel, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP

George Nolfi
Director, writer, and screenwriter

Catherine Park
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Robot Factory Incorporated

Nicole Simonian
Partner and Asia Coordinator, Bryan Cave LLP

Andrew Shulkind,
Co-founder, Headcase VR

STAFF
Justin Chapman
Communications Associate, Pacific Council

Nastasha Everheart
Chief Membership Officer, Pacific Council

Jeannine A. Imperiale
Executive Assistant, Mapleton Investments, LLC
FOREWORD

A United States Ambassador is

the ears, the voice, and the face
of Washington abroad.
A successful ambassador is a powerful asset for U.S. diplomacy: the right person can improve a foreign
public’s perception of America and can establish critical business or trade relationships, or turn a foe into
an ally. An unprepared or unfit diplomat, on the other hand, can damage U.S. credibility with international
partners.

As Director of Presidential Personnel in the Reagan Administration, I was charged with recommending
ambassadorial candidates to the President, always aware that those decisions could affect our national
security, diplomatic, and economic objectives.

I later served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom, from 2005 to 2009. As I told the authors in an
interview during the research phase of this report: While I believe my experience in the federal government
and my business expertise were great assets, my service at the Court of St. James was one of the most
difficult (and highly rewarding) jobs I have ever had. It was the pinnacle of my career.

Today, seeing the findings and accumulated advice in the pages that follow, I know that this document would
have been of great value to me before arriving in London. The report answers the questions: What can
prospective ambassadors expect as they move through the nomination and confirmation process? And what
qualities and skillsets make an ambassador effective in the field?

Researched and written by a group of young business and legal professionals from the Pacific Council on
International Policy, the report is at its core a practical handbook, providing guidance to potential candidates
for U.S. ambassadorships and best practices for current ambassadors. The insights come from the authors’
interviews with numerous distinguished individuals, all of whom have had experience and carry expertise
in politics, international relations, and diplomacy: nine current and former U.S. ambassadors, two foreign
ambassadors to the United States, a former Chair of the
U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs, a senior-ranking Robert H. Tuttle, U.S. Ambassador to the UK. Source:
United States Embassy in London.
member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee,
and a representative of the Office of White House Counsel
were among the interviewees.

I believe the handbook is a must-read for every aspiring

and current ambassador as well as for those tasked
with setting the criteria for the selection and vetting of
candidates for these vital positions.

Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle (ret.)

Co-Chair, Board of Directors
Pacific Council on International Policy

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 INTRODUCTION

U.S. ambassadors carry great responsibility in their roles as chief diplomats. They personally represent the
President of the United States and all Americans abroad, overseeing embassy operations in the countries
with which the United States maintains diplomatic relations. Their performance can change how foreign
governments and their citizens view the United States.

Most ambassadors rise through the ranks of the State Department’s Foreign Service and are selected
based on years of experience working abroad and developing, over time, expertise in diplomacy, foreign
languages, cross-cultural communication, national security matters, embassy operations, and the historical
and geopolitical context of their relevant regions. These career diplomats often serve in the most volatile
and complicated parts of the world.

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German Chancellor Angela Merkel and her staff sit with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, U.S. Ambassador to Germany John Emerson, State Department Deputy Chief of Staff Jon Finer, and Deputy
Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Julieta Valls Noyes at the outset of a bilateral meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, on October 22, 2014.
Members of the Future Leaders Task Force visit the State Department. Furthermore, detailed reports by the U.S. Office of
Pictured (left to right): Andrew Shulkind, Adam Nathanson, George Nolfi, Brett
Johnson.
Inspector General (OIG) on the performance reviews of
ambassadors reveal that the substantive performance of
an ambassador does not correlate to how the individual
was originally appointed. All are rated according to the
same core standards, and some career diplomats and
some political appointees receive very high rankings
while some ambassadors from each group receive low
rankings. In other words, any ambassador – whether
career diplomat or political appointee – has the potential
to do well or poorly in the role.
However, many ambassadors are recruited from
outside the Foreign Service: they are directly The following handbook seeks to provide a baseline
nominated by the president. These “political of information for prospective diplomats – particularly
appointees” may or may not have relevant political appointees – to improve their future performance
experience or knowledge of the region to which and success. The reflections and recommendations
they are assigned. Most – though not all – of herein draw on our wide ranging interviews with both
them are political supporters of the President and career and appointed ambassadors from different
of the party in control of the White House, which U.S. administrations. We have included details on the
contributes to occasional controversy about their process of becoming an ambassador as well as best
appointments. practices once appointed to maximize effectiveness in
the field.
Critics more often than not argue that political
appointees are not as competent in the ambassador The handbook is the product of research and interviews
role as are career diplomats, and assert that U.S. with more than a dozen high-profile government
diplomacy is becoming a politicized commodity. The officials with expertise in politics, international relations,

TABLE 1

ADMINISTRATION POLITICAL APPOINTEES CAREER AMBASSADORS

Barack Obama (as of 7/15/16) 30% 70%

George W. Bush 32% 68%
Bill Clinton 28% 72%
George H.W. Bush 31% 69%
Ronald Reagan 38% 62%
Source: American Foreign Service Association

truth is far more nuanced. As of July 15, 2016, politically- and diplomacy. The interviewees provided firsthand
appointed ambassadors held less than a third of all perspectives on public diplomacy, national security,
posts. This proportion largely has been consistent over human rights, education, social media and public
time: today’s proportion actually represents a modest outreach in host countries, intra-embassy affairs,
decrease relative to the George W. Bush, George H.W. the advancement of State Department policy, crisis
Bush, and Ronald Reagan administrations (see Table 1). management, and business and trade matters.
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Nina Hachigian’s swearing in ceremony as U.S. Ambassador to ASEAN on October 3, 2014. [US Mission to ASEAN photo]

BECOMING AN
AMBASSADOR
The process for prospective GETTING ON THE RADAR
ambassadors to make their way from The first step in the process is for the administration to
candidacy to vetting to nomination identify the candidate as a prospective ambassador.
and finally to confirmation can be All ambassadors are nominated by the President and
long, arduous, and often expensive confirmed by the Senate. Among those most likely to
recommend candidates for ambassadorial positions
for political appointees. This general
are the White House Chief of Staff, the Secretary
outline flows from our interviewees’ of State, Congressional leaders, senior advisors
experiences and advice. to the President, individuals close to presidential
campaigns, or those connected to the inner circle of
the President, First Lady, or Vice President. One of
our interviewees advised: “You need to seek out the
decision-makers behind the decision-makers.”

An ideal candidate will demonstrate a significant

connection with the proposed country. Language
skills, in-country business, familial ties, residency,
relevant academic expertise, military service, or even

The Effective Ambassador Page 4

extensive travel in the region can help to create and to use alternative legal structures. (Upon Senate
foster a strong connection. Access to both U.S. and confirmation, it is possible that more investment
in-country decision-makers in business, government, assets may need to be liquidated, converted to cash,
the military, entertainment, and other fields will make or placed in special structures or arrangements while
a nomination stronger. It is often incumbent on the the candidate serves as an ambassador.)
candidate to make clear his or her suitability for the
position and to highlight the strength and benefit of General Counsel Interview
his or her experience, relationships, or other unique The White House Office of General Counsel then
attributes. conducts an extensive public records search and
a candidate interview in order to identify anything
potentially embarrassing or otherwise problematic,
VETTING politically or diplomatically. The candidate should
Once the White House identifies a potential be aware of what information is available about
ambassadorial candidate and an embassy his or herself, his or her business, and his or her
opportunity becomes available, internal vetting other interests. He or she should have practiced
begins. Because the vetting process is very sound accounting and transparent and legal hiring
thorough, complex cases can sometimes take a year practices for employees and outside vendors as a
or more to complete. matter of course. During the interview, the candidate
will be asked about any litigation, social media
Much of the vetting process takes place behind the interaction, and press and/or speeches that may
scenes. The candidate is directly consulted only if express viewpoints on government policy.
they already meet a number of initial qualifications.
The White House and State Department generally Security Clearance
vet candidates in four stages: tax review, financial The final step to the vetting process is a security
disclosure, White House interview, and security clearance. At this point, the candidate may be
clearance. Vetting often necessitates the hiring of shortlisted for the position. The background
legal and accounting teams at the personal expense check is exhaustive and involves a highly detailed
of the candidate for a position as an ambassador. review of records and the history of the candidate.
This is costly and comes with no guarantees of
Ambassador Anthony L. Gardner, U.S. Ambassador to the European
confirmation. Union, speaking to the Pacific Council on September 7, 2016.

Tax Review
The White House Office of General Counsel conducts
an initial tax review, during which personnel revisit
the candidate’s last 15 years of taxes to confirm a
clean and thorough filing history. Red flags can
include excessive amendments to previous filings
and penalty payments to the IRS.

Financial Disclosure
Upon successful completion of the tax review, the
White House brings in its counterparts at the State
Department to perform a financial disclosure review.
Here, full records of assets and investments are
reviewed in detail and potential conflicts of interests
are identified. Should a conflict arise, the candidate
could, as a condition to resolve the conflict, face
a decision necessitating a divestiture of certain
assets or business enterprises or the requirement

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Ambassadorial candidates can, for example, be
asked to submit details of every international trip
over the past decade, including individuals with
whom the candidate recalls meeting, locations
and companies visited, and even hotel details.
Background check interviews are conducted with
neighbors, friends, colleagues, and employees on
a range of issues including a candidate’s health
issues, personal behaviors, and interactions with
foreign nationals. Criminal records and other legal or
personal behavioral issues can cause delays or put
a swift end to a candidacy.

Once all financial, legal, and personal backgrounds

have been examined, the Director of Presidential
Personnel will hold a meeting with the White House
Office of General Counsel, the White House Office
of Personnel, and the State Department to solicit
final endorsement of the individual’s ambassadorial
candidacy. If all relevant U.S. officials are in
agreement, approval is requested of the potential
host country. Once all of these steps have been
completed, a formal nomination is presented directly
to the President.

NOMINATION
A candidate’s nomination is subject to the President’s
U.S. Senate Committee Hearing on Nomination.
final approval. If endorsed, a Senate confirmation
hearing is scheduled. The span between nomination
and confirmation can be as short as two weeks or
longer than a year, depending on the perceived
priority or political controversy of the appointment,
as well as the political climate on Capitol Hill. “Charm school” alone is not sufficient training for a
high-level diplomatic post. Candidates should plan
Between nomination and confirmation, formal to do substantial independent preparation and
training in connection with the potential appointment research on their country and region of assignment
begins. Candidates and spouses attend a two- in addition to familiarizing themselves with the
week State Department program informally known OIG’s own periodic assessments of the strengths
as “charm school.” In this program, candidates and and weaknesses of ambassadors and embassies.
spouses receive strategic briefings on the relevant Nominees should review these informative reports
country, learn about diplomatic protocol, receive to understand what the State Department expects
coaching on key skills such as public speaking and from effective ambassadors. Regional business
media relations, and get to know the Department of leaders, previous ambassadors, academics, non-
State as well as how to work with other government governmental organizations and philanthropists
agencies that have a presence within the embassy, in the host country, and even individuals from the
including but not limited to the Department of potential host country living in the United States
Defense, Peace Corps, USAID, U.S. Trade Office, all represent additional sources of information and
and many others. insight for candidates.
The Effective Ambassador Page 6
CONFIRMATION many cases, because it presents an opportunity
The Senate confirmation hearings – the final step in the for members of the opposition political party to
ambassadorial appointment process – are designed challenge an appointment made by the White House.
to test the knowledge, skills, and preparedness of Several in-hearing gaffes in recent years contributed
the nominee. Ideally, they will move quickly and to the stigma surrounding political appointees; when
smoothly: the continuity of ambassadorships is tested, candidates were unable to answer basic
vital to bilateral relations, and an embassy that sits and general questions about their prospective host
without an ambassador in a host country for too long country.
reflects negatively on the United States. The hearing
will also set the course and establish credibility Candidates should also understand and be prepared
for the new ambassador’s time abroad. Thus, to answer questions about the criteria established
candidates must be adequately prepared not only by the Department of State for ambassadorial
to gain the appointment but also to avoid potential performance, embassy management, and the
embarrassment. execution of U.S. policy, all of which are contained in
the OIG reports mentioned above.
Political appointees are often tested more rigorously
by the Senate than career diplomats in order to Final confirmation is achieved by a majority vote in
confirm their appropriateness for the role and, in the Senate.
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 BEST PRACTICES FOR
THE EFFECTIVE AMBASSADOR
Once a candidate is confirmed as RELATING TO THE
ambassador, the real work begins. HOST GOVERNMENT
Senator John McCain told us: “The
American public and members of Establish credibility with local officials early
The primary objective of an ambassador is to serve
Congress are not fully aware of how
as the eyes and ears of the U.S. government while
gravely our relationship with foreign maintaining effective communications with the host
countries is influenced by the government, which is easier if the host government
effectiveness of our ambassadors views the ambassador as an individual of influence.
on the ground.” A U.S. ambassador is usually regarded, by default,
among a small handful of the most important
The following summarizes the foreigners in a host nation. An effective ambassador
must seek to establish personal credibility and a
actions and qualities that our
presence with the host government from the outset
research suggests are most of his or her tenure.
important to becoming a successful
and effective ambassador. Political appointees sometimes actually have an
advantage over career diplomats in establishing
local credibility, as the host country may see the

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U.S. Ambassador to China Gary Locke participates in the Strategic Track Plenary Session during the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue in the Loy Henderson Auditorium at the U.S.
Department of State in Washington, D.C., on July 11, 2013.
ambassador as having a direct line or personal Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta
Jacobson delivers remarks on re-establishing diplomatic relations with
relationship with the president of the United States. Cuba at the Foreign Press Center in Washington, DC on May 22, 2015.
Jacobson is now U.S. Ambassador to Mexico.
Indeed, access to relevant decision-makers at the
highest levels in the U.S. government or business
community, including a through-line to the President
or other senior policy-makers, such as the Secretary
of State, contribute strongly to the credibility of
the ambassador in the eyes of the host nation.
This perceived high-level access can offset other
concerns that the host country may have about the
person not being a career diplomat.

Build relationships with the public

U.S. ambassadors are tasked with conveying
American interests and “telling its story” to relevant
constituencies in the host country, which means
connecting to local leaders and the public at-
large. To do so successfully, an ambassador must
first understand the nuances of the host country’s
political perceptions and sensitivities, including the
host country’s attitudes toward the United States. may have even more meaningful opportunities to
Second, the ambassador must take advantage of influence the U.S. relationship with the host country:
all of the primary channels of communication: in- for example, the ambassador may be in a position
person interaction, whether at the ambassador’s to establish foundational relationships within the
residence, at the embassy, or in public spaces;
host country’s government and business sectors,
traditional media, including press interactions for
thus ensuring better opportunities for cooperation
television and newspapers; and social media – not
in trade, economics, and other strategic areas of
only Twitter, where ambassadors should cultivate
interest as the country grows.
an active following, but also local, country-specific
social media outlets as applicable. An ambassador
The ambassador should make clear Washington’s
should work in close cooperation with embassy
genuine interest in the host country, its people,
staff to carefully manage the messages conveyed
and its culture. Actions speak louder than words:
through media interviews and other media tools,
traveling within host countries and touring cities
particularly in the early days of service before the
as part of community outreach will go a long way
ambassador has been on the ground long enough to
toward winning favor with the public and building
fully understand the cultural and political landscape.
lasting, meaningful connections with local leaders.
Effective ambassadors should also seek to capitalize One especially effective ambassador with whom we
on the embassy’s preexisting network of local contacts spoke hosted “wise men and wise women lunches”
and to expand those contacts. As the top-ranking as a way to promote direct engagement and
U.S. representative in the country, the ambassador relationship-building with local thought and opinion
has regular access to host country leaders. leaders early in the ambassador’s tenure.
Socializing with high-level local officials, developing
relationships with the media, establishing access Effective ambassadors should also recognize and
and visibility in the business and commercial sectors, anticipate that the host country’s culture and attitudes
and promoting U.S. cultural exchanges can enhance shape the public’s view in ways that might clash with
influence within the host country on key aspects U.S. policy or business interests. For example, when
of the U.S. economic and foreign policy agendas. an American technology company provides a free
Ambassadors to smaller or less prominent countries service to a local community – something that is
The Effective Ambassador Page 9
often perceived favorably in the United States – a
foreign country may see it as intrusive or a violation
of privacy. Google Maps Street View imaging was
received this way in several countries. A skilled
diplomat will recognize these variances and find
ways to nourish positive relations while bridging the
two (or more) distinct sets of interests.

RELATING TO THE
AMBASSADOR POSITION

Articulate embassy goals early

Our interviewees recommended that incoming
ambassadors establish goals and articulate a clear
vision to staff based on the ambassador’s own
advance research as well as State Department
mandates and directives. Providing staff with a clear
mandate that melds well with current operations and
acknowledges existing embassy goals will enhance balancing the interests of all of the working agencies
credibility with the embassy team. The effective of the embassy to best achieve U.S. goals.
ambassador must also adapt goals and objectives
based on new insights about the evolving state of Establish networks in the region and beyond
U.S. relations with the host country and region. The effective ambassador can learn a great deal
by cooperating and coordinating with other U.S.
Be prepared to balance diverse interests within the ambassadors in the region to which he or she is
embassy assigned. Together, ambassadors can share best
In-country, the embassy team is the effective practices, pursue common trade, business, or other
ambassador’s most important resource, but it can interests, and further build on connections in the
also be the biggest challenge: the embassy is region, collectively leveraging these synergies to the
comprised of a diversity of government agencies more effective pursuit of U.S. interests.
with agendas that may overlap or contradict each
other. More than 27 U.S. government agencies Although it may be somewhat unconventional,
– including the Departments of Commerce, many successful ambassadors have also found it
Agriculture, Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, valuable to establish working relationships with
and the Treasury; USAID; the Center for Disease their ambassadorial counterparts: one current
Control (CDC), and the Library of Congress, among ambassador told us that he speaks with his
others – work overseas under the authority of the counterpart in Washington on a daily basis. As
U.S. ambassador of the country in which they work. ambassador, one is positioned as a liaison between
An ambassador will apply management lessons on the U.S. State Department and the host country’s
a daily basis to manage the multi-agency operations Foreign Ministry or its equivalent. The host country’s
of an embassy. ambassador serving in the United States is, of
course, in the same position. As the main conduits
At the top, the ambassador will benefit from a close for bilateral communication between the two
relationship with the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM), nations, a productive relationship between the U.S.
who is always a career Foreign Service Officer ambassador and the host country’s ambassador
with extensive State Department experience. The to the United States can enhance cross-cultural
DCM effectively functions as the embassy’s Chief communication, build trust as part of a bilateral
Operating Officer and can assist the ambassador in dialogue, and serve as another resource for

The Effective Ambassador Page 10

 yours?” The fresh-faced ambassador would eagerly
point to their new host country. “No,” Secretary
Shultz would reply. He would then point at the United
States and say, “This is your country.”

A newly-appointed ambassador will be immersed in

the culture, values, and attitudes of a host country
for several years, but his or her primary responsibility
must always be to represent the values and interests
of the United States. Face-to-face contact with
counterparts in the host country’s Foreign Ministry
will help the ambassador understand how to best
communicate State Department policy and other
messages with the nuance and non-verbal fluency
that fits each country.
negotiating the host country’s political landscape.
U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul participates in a Twitter Q and A at the
U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Russia, September 26, 2012. Put politics aside
Ambassadors do not formulate U.S. policy.
Foreign policy is formulated at the highest levels
Communicating the U.S. government’s intent to in Washington; ambassadors are instead charged
the leadership of the host country and vice versa with communicating – and sometimes explaining
is one of the most valuable roles of the effective or defending – that policy to foreign governments
ambassador. Having the support and insight of the and their citizens. Successful ambassadors do
host country’s counterpart can help. not let personal views undermine the policies
they are tasked with representing and effectively
communicating. The State Department will provide
RELATING TO WASHINGTON specific talking points on what to say publicly,
though an ambassador may choose to speak more
Act as a public spokesperson for U.S. policies first candidly when communicating privately with staff or
As one former ambassador reported to us, former even with representatives of the host government,
U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz would summon to help build trust. Effective ambassadors can also
newly confirmed ambassadors to his office. First, he capitalize on their high level relationships within the
would point to a globe and ask, “Which country is U.S. government structure (Secretary of State, all
Senate-confirmed officials, the President) to provide
President Barack Obama meets with Sudan Special Envoy Ambassador a feedback loop on U.S. policies as they play out
Princeton Lyman in the Oval Office, April 1, 2011. [Office White House Photo
by Pete Souza] from the perspective of the host country.

Beyond representing U.S. policy, the ambassador

also carries the important responsibility of broader
public diplomacy – helping to shape the foreign
public’s attitudes. As one former ambassador put it,
“Most diplomats come to the job focused on policy,
but come to realize that much of the job is essentially
community organizing.” This role is equally vital, as it
contributes to longer term goals of shaping positive
public attitudes toward the United States.

Expect to manage crises

Good political appointee ambassadors have

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Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs Charles Rivkin speaks with investors, entrepreneurs, and government officials at the T-Hub Hyderabad technology incubator in
Hyderabad, India, on March 18, 2016.

extensive experience managing organizations and Look for ways to promote U.S. business and trade
leading people. That makes it easier to manage any interests
crises that arise, as the ambassador carries his or Experience in international relations and geopolitical
her management skills – namely the ability to keep matters is key, but it is also increasingly important for
calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and ambassadors to understand U.S. business interests,
act decisively – into the new role. During a crisis, as the ambassador is part of the “sales team” for
the ambassador must communicate urgent and American enterprises overseas and for encouraging
complicated matters directly to the embassy team, foreign direct investment (FDI) at home. In fact, the
to Washington, and to the host government. He or Obama administration’s global economic strategy
she must also anticipate potential concerns from claims to grade ambassadors in part on their ability to
Washington, whether that means filing the necessary solicit foreign trade partnerships, promote American
paperwork or advancing the appropriate protocols exports, and solidify outbound investments. The role
in an emergency situation. of the ambassador is also to get countries to invest in
the United States and generate American jobs – that’s
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks before swearing in Paul
Jones as the new U.S. Ambassador to Poland at the U.S. Department of advocacy.
State in Washington, D.C., on September 11, 2015.

As the United States increasingly derives its influence

from the strength of its economy, the ambassador
needs to be an effective, expert advocate for American
business interests. Not only should they seek out
prospects for the sale of goods and services, but when
problems arise, the effective ambassador must bring
leadership, diplomacy, and negotiating skills to bear in
helping corporations, stakeholders, and even political
rivals resolve their differences. The Commerce and
Economic Sections at the embassy can even leverage
the reputation of the ambassador to effectively close
important trade and business deals.

The Effective Ambassador Page 12

 RELATING TO
NATIONAL SECURITY Defense Department staff leaders and the Office
Political appointees might find themselves in of Regional Affairs are important resources for an
unfamiliar territory when dealing with sensitive ambassador in-country, as effective ambassadors
issues of national security. One ambassador serving must be prepared at all times to be summoned to
in the U.S. embassy of a close foreign ally told us their host country’s Foreign Ministry to answer for
he was surprised by how much of his job involved sensitive national security and intelligence matters.
national security matters. This portion of the portfolio Each embassy will host different agencies based
will vary greatly depending on the country, but in on U.S. interests and the realities in each country:
preparation for every post, the politically appointed national security concerns will look different in the
ambassador should plan to spend time in the various embassy of a G-20 country, for example, than they
relevant agencies in Washington, including the CIA do in a smaller nation, and the number and types
and the Department of Defense, to be briefed on of in-country personnel will reflect those differences.
classified national security issues as well as U.S. Representatives from the Department of Defense
goals, operations, and objectives in the region. It and other agencies will keep an ambassador well
may also be beneficial for the ambassador to visit informed about all security matters (both classified
the U.S. military command in the region – CENTCOM, and unclassified) to avoid surprises that could
SOUTHCOM, AFRICOM, EUCOM, etc. – for additional potentially embarrass the United States, jeopardize
briefing by military leadership. diplomatic relations, or adversely affect U.S. interests.

The Effective Ambassador Page 13

Titled “9/11,” painting of Air National Guard flying over a burning Pentagon. [Gil Cohen, National Guard]
 CONCLUSION

Political appointees have demonstrated that they can be just as effective as

career diplomats. Many have skill sets or perspectives that actually give them an
edge over career diplomats, including their political or professional background,
access to relevant decision-makers in the United States, established connections
and reputation in the host country, understanding of social, cultural, and
political issues relevant to the region, and proven management and leadership
experience. In addition, a political appointee ambassador can make the right
decisions without the reticence that a career ambassador may have about the
impact of that decision on an onward assignment.

The challenges and opportunities an ambassador faces will differ greatly

depending upon the host country to which he or she is assigned, and each
ambassador brings unique talents and skills to the role. Yet our research
confirms that as much as ambassadors’ experiences vary, there are shared
qualities and approaches that make ambassadors successful: this handbook
provides practical guidance on those shared experiences that will help a
candidate become an effective U.S. ambassador.

With the right guidance for new ambassadors, we can

be confident as a country that, just as we aim to choose
the best people to lead our diplomacy abroad, we are
preparing those individuals well for the challenging
job ahead.

The Effective Ambassador Page 14

Members of the Future Leaders Task Force meet with Senator John McCain. Pictured (left to right): Brett Johnson, Adam Nathanson, Senator
John McCain, Nicole Simonian, Andrew Shulkind.
 OUR THANKS
The Pacific Council Future Leaders would like to thank
the following ambassadors, government officials,
foreign diplomats, and their families and staff for
making this report possible by contributing their time
and insights.

We are grateful for the time of those currently in office:

H.E. Abdulla Ali Alsaboosi, Ambassador Michael Corbin,
Ambassador John Emerson, Ms. Kimberly Marteau
Emerson, Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Mr. Ethan
Goldrich, Senator Tim Kaine, Senator John McCain,
Ambassador Yousef al Otaiba, Rear Admiral Gary Rosholt,
Ambassador Dana Shell Smith, and Ambassador Rudi
Veestraeten.

Additionally, we value immensely the reflections and

insights of those who have returned to private life:
Ambassador Frank Baxter, Congressman Howard
Berman, Ms. Carla Eudy, Ambassador Robert Ford, Vice
Admiral Robert Harward, Ambassador Christopher Hill,
Ambassador David Huebner, Ms. Eileen McMenamin,
Ambassador Cameron Munter, Mr. Marc B. Nathanson,
Ambassador Thomas Pickering, Ambassador Rockwell
Schnabel, Ambassador Robert H. Tuttle, Ms. Marilyn
Wyatt, and Ms. Jessica Yellin.

We would also like to thank the Pacific Council under the

visionary leadership of the Honorable Mickey Kantor,
the Honorable Marc B. Nathanson, Ambassador Robert
H. Tuttle, and Dr. Jerrold D. Green for their support and
guidance throughout the course of this project.

Finally, we appreciate immensely those who reviewed

and edited the report in its various stages of life,
including Mr. Justin Chapman, Ms. Nastasha Everheart,
Ms. Jeannine A. Imperiale, Ms. Melissa Lockhart Fortner,
and Ms. Olivia Russell.

The Effective Ambassador Page 16

 Vice President Joe Biden swears in Suzi LeVine as the U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein at the
Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C., on May 30, 2014. Honoring American innovation and entrepreneurship,
Ambassdor LeVine becomes the first American Ambassador to take the oath over an electronic device.

The Effective Ambassador Page 17

THE EFFECTIVE AMBASSADOR
A Practical Handbook
By the Future Leaders Task Force
of the Pacific Council on International Policy
NOVEMBER 2016

Front and Back Covers:

The appointment papers for
Ambassador-at-Large for International
Religious Freedom David Saperstein
are photographed before he and
the Secretary signed them during
a swearing-in ceremony at the
Department of State in Washington,
D.C., on February 20, 2105.
The Effective Ambassador Page 18 [State Department photo]