Lessons in Diplomacy - by Leigh Turner (Paperback)

About the Book

Leigh Turner's witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the most intriguing careers a person can have offers astute reflections on Brexit, Russia's war with Ukraine and the chaos of modern politics.

Book Synopsis

Is a diplomat's life really as glamorous as a royal visit, or as dramatic as a coup d'état in Turkey?

Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who held posts in Ukraine, Turkey and Austria. In this witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the most intriguing careers a person can have, Leigh relates his interactions with royalty of both the aristocratic and celebrity kinds, and with brilliant and extraordinary people who bestowed valuable lessons. Offering astute reflections on Brexit, Russia's war with Ukraine and the chaos of modern politics, he sheds new light on the intricacies of modern statecraft, including what we all can learn from a good diplomat or ambassador.

In this entertaining and accessible first-hand account, you'll discover how diplomats really work with spies, how immunity allows killers to escape justice, how Russia broke up the Soviet Union and then nursed its resentment at the consequences -- and how to throw, and be invited to, a great cocktail party.

Review Quotes

"Leigh Turner examines the nature of true diplomacy from a global perspective, and emphasises how important it is, especially today. And he describes how hope and hard work are essential if we are to keep going during these dark times. An insightful and powerful book." the late Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

"Leigh Turner is a diplomat's diplomat, who has always balanced serious professionalism with deep compassion, humanity and humour. He is not one to get stuck behind a desk, and this lively, readable account is a compelling case for why adventurous, creative diplomacy is needed more than ever. It will be enjoyed by practitioners, future diplomats, and anyone with an interest in how statecraft works, and the pace at which it is changing. It's lively, often hilarious, always perceptive. Highly recommended." Tom Fletcher, Hertford College and former foreign policy advisor and author of The Naked Diplomat

"Fascinating insights from a well-informed source. Informative, thought-provoking and fun." Alexander Van der Bellen, Federal President of Austria

"It's rare that the worlds of diplomacy and rock'n'roll bump into each other but when they do, it's reassuring to know how much we are alike. Leigh Turner rocks!" Roger Glover, Deep Purple

"Packed with insights, wise advice, and witty anecdotes from a lifetime at the sharp end of diplomacy. Leigh is a master of the trade." Sir Laurie Bristow KCMG, University of Cambridge

"Anecdote, drama and life lessons skilfully woven into a great read." Barbara Nadel, writer

"Insightful and compelling... Ambassador Turner is an extraordinary raconteur whose book is a masterclass in diplomacy." Ayesha Riyaz, former ambassador of Pakistan

"Fantastic insights from one of the most effective diplomats I have ever met." Angus Robertson MSP

"Insightful narrative on how political leaders and diplomatic statecraft shape geopolitics, challenges to effective diplomacy and its human footprint." Renu Pall, former Indian ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the International Organisations in Vienna

"Turner's elegant memoir is given a sharp contemporary edge by the lessons he teases out along the way." Dame Denise Holt DCMG, Former British Ambassador to Spain and Mexico

"A highly entertaining picture of a varied career - with real human insights both for diplomats and leaders more generally." Neil McMillan CMG, ex-diplomat and public servant.

"Required reading for anyone considering a career in diplomacy" Stephen Curtis, London Metropolitan University

"Entertaining, instructive and absorbing: an excellent insight into the professional and personal challenges and excitements of being a diplomat." Stephen Wall, former ambassador to the European Union

"Entertaining insights into decades of diplomacy, from the 20th to the 21st centuries, in hotspots ranging from Moscow and Kyiv to Hong Kong and Shanghai." Marc Elsberg, author of international bestselling novel Blackout

"Diplomacy is badly misunderstood and undervalued. Leigh Turner's book not only entertains and surprises - it also challenges your preconceptions." Catherine Royle, NATO Political Advisor and former Ambassador

"Amusing anecdotes from diplomatic life are always a good read, but Leigh Turner adds depth, intelligence and serious commentary. This is an insightful as well as a most readable account." Matthew Parris, writer and broadcaster

"Interested in the nuts and bolts (and steely screwdrivers and painful pliers) of diplomacy? Try Leigh Turner's subtle, sharp exploration of the diplomatic toolbox." Charles Crawford CMG, former HM ambassador in Sarajevo, Belgrade and Warsaw

"It is said that diplomats think twice before saying nothing. Leigh Turner is luckily an exception: he thought twice and has written a highly entertaining guide to what diplomats really do - or what they wish they could do." Alexander Schallenberg, Foreign Minister of Austria

"A thoughtful, entertaining and informative insight." New Eastern Europe

"Lives up to the promise of its title." The Foreign Service Journal

"I cannot think of a better person to report about a diplomat's life than Leigh Turner. His residences became 'Places to be', and his eloquent, witty and humorous descriptions of his encounters with personalities from all echelons of society provide both insight and entertainment." Danielle Spera, Austrian journalist and former director of the Jewish Museum in Vienna

"This brilliant book shatters any doubt about the necessity of diplomats. A must-read for anyone seeking insight into the complexities of international relations." Maria-Pia Kothbauer, Princess of Liechtenstein, Liechtenstein Ambassador in Vienna

"A riveting journey through the complex world of international relations and the role of diplomacy in shaping global politics. Turner's first-hand experiences, from navigating geopolitical crises to engaging with global leaders, are woven into a compelling narrative that is both educational and profoundly human. A masterclass in diplomacy for diplomats, scholars and anyone seeking to understand the forces that shape our world." Saroja Sirisena, former Sri Lankan High Commissioner to the UK

"Insightful revelations on diplomacy and diplomatic careers, valuable tips and advice for future and incumbent diplomats" Tigran Balayan, Ambassador of Armenia to Luxembourg, Belgium and the EU

"There are diplomats for whom the word 'luck' means quiet work in a calm country. Leigh Turner's diplomatic career can be called successful from the opposite point of view. He was lucky to regularly find himself in the middle of crisis situations with poorly predictable endings. This book is not only a fascinating read, but also a valuable source for understanding the recent past in world politics." Andrey Kurkov, novelist

"Vivid and delightful...a host of excellent insights....an astute and insightful appraisal of modern diplomacy" Inside Out, the magazine of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Association.

"If you would like to know what diplomats do, how they do it, and why their work still matters, read this entertaining and informative book. [It] combines perceptive analysis of the big picture, based on first hand personal experience, working with members of the royal family and senior Ministers, with advice for those embarking on a diplomatic career." ABICS Newsletter

"Full of lessons about what matters: crisis preparedness, languages, and to reflect upon one's own behaviour and thoughts after a crisis" Evelyn van Kleef, Process and implementation analyst and designer

"A handbook for navigating high-stakes situations, filled with sharp observations, humour and real-life lessons drawn from years on the global stage. A must-read for anyone interested in diplomacy, international affairs, or mastering the art of calm under pressure!" Nneka Nwagwu, LLB (Hons) Graduate MSc Diplomacy and International Security

"A gifted writer, Leigh Turner has provided a vivid account of his impressive diplomatic career in the service of the Foreign Office." Oliver Rathkolb, Universität Wien

"An engagingly self-deprecating, witty and well-written collection of diplomatic tips and tales." Nicola Brewer DCMG, former British diplomat

"Diplomats are all hopeless, you'd be mad to do it.' Having ignored this advice, Leigh Turner now unpacks, with a huge dose of British humour, what diplomats can make out of hopelessness." Ulrike Guérot, Founder and Director of the European Democracy Lab, Berlin

"Lessons in Diplomacy was a huge inspiration to study in one of the most renowned international hubs in the world. [The] emphasis on continuing to be curious about other cultures, languages, histories and people really struck a chord." Grace Carey, MSc student in digital international affairs

"Guaranteed to teach you something you did not already know, Lessons in Diplomacy is a book, unexpectedly, for all, Whether you find yourself in diplomatic peril on a posting and need a guide, or fancy infiltrating the complex world of diplomacy through the sagacious words of Leigh Turner, let learning take you to this book." Nouse

About the Author

Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who recently retired from the Foreign Office. Multilingual, he held diplomatic posts in Vienna, Moscow and Berlin, served as Ambassador to Ukraine, British Consul-General in Istanbul, Ambassador to Austria and UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna, and Director of Overseas Territories in the FO. He has also written several political thrillers.