A good diplomat to be able to educate himself on the different issues that are part of the international agenda must be constantly learning.
Much has been written about the extroversion, openness, responsibility and friendliness of a good diplomat. But the qualities I want to comment on are those mentioned by Eduardo Jara Roncati, a career diplomat and former Chilean ambassador. They are the qualities that are innate to him, and that are part of his personal conditions, plus those that are acquired through technical and specialized teachings. These are:
Patriotism. The diplomat must love his country above all things and feel linked to it. To truly love him, you must know him. The diplomat is not the propagandist of his country. He is his representative, he defends the permanent interests of the State he represents and the values of his government.
Frankness. Both in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, you have to know how to earn the trust of others, based on telling the truth. You must never cheat. Diplomacy has become frank and direct.
Dedication. The diplomatic function does not have a material determination in time and is developed with the experience that is accumulated, for the benefit of the country it represents.
Vocation. The diplomat must feel comfortable with his functions, willingly accepting the characteristics of his profession and understanding that it is about representing his country and fulfilling the other functions that are clearly determined.
Modesty. There is no greater danger to a diplomat than vanity and presumption, which can lead to disregarding advice, making him vulnerable to flattery. Such a diplomat will have a personal attitude and will progressively isolate himself; by bragging about his eventual triumphs, he will create resentment and hatred for himself and for his country and will develop self-esteem in his adversary. Also, his arrogance may prevent you from recognizing his mistakes or inaccuracies.
Sobriety. Moderation in his public and private life must always accompany a diplomat. He must not fall into exaggeration, nor in his judgments, nor in his distractions, nor in acting or dressing
Criterion. You either have the ability to discern adequately or you don’t. There are no schools, unfortunately, where one learns to act judiciously. A diplomat without judgment is a latent danger to his country. Now, if he speaks several languages, he is even more dangerous.
Dignity. It is the consideration that a diplomat must have of his own person, the respect that he must have for himself and obtain towards his country.
Discretion. The diplomat must know how to keep secret about the matters that he knows or come to know of him by virtue of the position he holds.
In conclusion, it is difficult to find such a set of virtues in the same human being. But, analyzing them as a whole, some are inherent to certain people, whether they have it or not. The rest can be perfected regularly throughout the race.
