Differences Between Diplomats & Ambassadors

Diplomat vs Ambassador

Understanding the distinction between a Diplomat and an Ambassador is straightforward once the definitions of each are clear. Although the terms are often used interchangeably and may seem to convey the same meaning, there is a notable difference between the two. Generally, the term Diplomat refers to an individual representing their country overseas, while the term Ambassador is associated more specifically with the head of an embassy in another country. Essentially, Diplomat is a broader term encompassing the diplomatic relations of a nation, while an Ambassador is a specific type of Diplomat.

Who is a Diplomat?

A Diplomat is traditionally defined as a person appointed by a national government to engage in official negotiations and maintain diplomatic relations, such as political, economic, social, and cultural relations with another country. In simple terms, a Diplomat is a government official from one nation chosen to represent their nation in another country. Their main role is to conduct and maintain relations with the governments of other countries. Diplomat is a general term that includes not only Ambassadors but also other Foreign Service officials such as public diplomacy officers, consular officers, economic officers, political officers, and management officers. Other diplomatic ranks include secretaries, counselors, ministers, envoys, or chargé d’affaires. These officers have diverse duties and functions, but their main objectives are to represent the interests and policies of their nation while maintaining friendly relations with the host nation. In addition, Diplomats are responsible for monitoring the events and happenings of the host country, gathering information, analyzing this information, and then reporting their findings to the Ambassador and their government. Some officers handle matters related to visas and consular affairs. The concept of a Diplomat has been around for centuries, with states sending special persons or “envoys” to other nations in order to establish and maintain friendly relations. Diplomats are often trained in their diplomatic profession and work under the direction of the Ambassador. The role, function, duties, and immunities of Diplomats are outlined in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).

Key Takeaways

• A Diplomat is a government official appointed by a national government to conduct official negotiations and maintain diplomatic relations with another country.
• An Ambassador is the highest-ranking Diplomat or diplomatic officer in a foreign nation and typically exercises control over the entire embassy in a foreign country or host nation.
• The term Diplomat encompasses various diplomatic roles, including Ambassadors, secretaries, consular officers, political officers, public diplomacy officers, economic officers, ministers, and others.

Who is an Ambassador?

As mentioned earlier, an Ambassador is a type of Diplomat or diplomatic official. In fact, an Ambassador is the Chief Diplomat or highest-ranking diplomatic officer in a foreign nation. The term Ambassador is defined as the highest-ranking official or Diplomat representing their nation in another country. Some sources describe an Ambassador as a “permanent representative” in a foreign country. The primary role of an Ambassador is to provide direction and supervision to all the activities carried out by other diplomatic officers in the host country and coordinate these activities. Additionally, an Ambassador is responsible for maintaining friendly relations with the host country by engaging in negotiations, promoting understanding, peace, and cooperation, and settling disputes if necessary.

What is the difference between Diplomat and Ambassador?

The difference between Diplomat and Ambassador can be easily identified.

• A Diplomat is a generic term referring to an official appointed by a government to represent its interests in a foreign country.
• An Ambassador is a specific type of Diplomat and falls within the definition of a Diplomat.
• A Diplomat can include not only an Ambassador but also other Foreign Service officials such as secretaries, consular officers, political officers, public diplomacy officers, economic officers, ministers, and others.
• An Ambassador is typically the Chief Diplomat or the highest-ranking Diplomat sent to a foreign country.
• While Diplomats, in general, perform various duties such as monitoring the events of the host country, analyzing these events, handling visa/consular matters, and providing secretarial functions, an Ambassador typically controls the functions of the embassy. Thus, they provide direction and supervision to the rest of the Diplomats working in the embassy and ensure that cordial diplomatic relations are maintained with the host nation.