In line with the announcement of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark year 2016 as the Year of Reading, Emirates Diplomatic Academy hosted the official launch of the book, ‘Naked Diplomacy’, by Tom Fletcher, Former British Ambassador to Lebanon, highlighting EDA’s efforts to promote diplomacy as an effective instrument of foreign policy.

Tom Fletcher, the youngest appointed British Ambassador, explores the core principles of a progressive 21st century foreign policy in his first book, ‘Naked Diplomacy’. The book also describes the balancing of interventionism and national interest, and how diplomats can use global governance to achieve their national objectives.

In the book, Fletcher highlights the colourful history of diplomacy, and the ever changing role of the diplomat. Describing the wisdom from history’s most influential global leaders and diplomats, Fletcher goes on to analyse the rise of smart power, soft power and the new interventionism.

Speaking on the occasion, Bernardino Leon, Director General of EDA, said: "The book launch event comes as part of EDA’s participation in the Year of Reading activities. The initiative complements the Academy’s constant endeavour to promote the best international practices in diplomacy, and offer our students innovative platforms to acquire the necessary skills, experience and knowledge to excel in their career."

Commenting on the occasion, Tom Fletcher said: "I am proud to be associated with Emirates Diplomatic Academy for the launch of this book. The role of the academy is crucial in developing the next generation of diplomats to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century."

Fletcher added: "Diplomacy continues to have a significant impact on people's lives. With the extraordinary reach of social media, diplomats have the means to influence the countries they work in on a massive scale. I hope that 'Naked Diplomacy’ provides some of the answers on how we can make diplomacy even better at promoting tolerance and coexistence in the new digital terrain."

Tom Fletcher is a Visiting Professor of International Relations at New York University, and Visiting Professor of Diplomatic Practice at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy.

Source :WAM