Embassies are important for communication between countries, with ambassadors representing their government and working to resolve issues. The term “minister” is now used for diplomats without full powers, while a resident ambassador resides in the foreign country. Ambassadors can broker treaties and trade deals, but need approval from their head of state. Goodwill ambassadors for non-profit organizations have no special powers, but can make recommendations and further a country’s image. The job of an ambassador can be risky, especially in unstable political environments.
Because relations between countries can depend on one country’s ability to be in communication with each other, or at least with a person who is fully authorized to represent its government, many nations have embassies abroad. At a foreign country’s embassy, there is usually at least one person who holds the title of ambassador and who represents her country. If there is a problem or concern between the two countries, this person acts on behalf of their government and meets with heads of state to try to resolve issues or clarify their country’s position on a particular issue.
In the past, the most common term for a foreign representative was minister. Now this term can be applied to diplomats who do not have full powers and are considered second grade. In other words, this person may work for a plenipotentiary or fully authorized ambassador and may be in charge of one or more departments of an embassy.
Another related term is resident. A resident ambassador not only acts as his nation’s representative in a foreign country, but he also resides in that country, usually at or near the embassy. The title is one which commands respect and persons employed in this work may be referred to as Mr. or Ms. Ambassador, or Your Excellency.
In the United States, people working in this role are often appointed by the head of state, the president, and the job is not without risk. In countries with unstable political environments, or in those countries with significant hostility to the United States, some have been assassinated, kidnapped, or held hostage. While this is not common, the job carries a certain amount of danger, as does any high-level political position.
As a representative of another country, one of the ambassador’s main goals is to foster diplomatic relations between two countries. When this diplomat is authorized to act for the state, he may also be able to broker treaties, trade deals or ceasefires with foreign authorities. While this diplomat may have full powers, he is usually instructed by his head of state as to which terms in treaties or agreements will be acceptable and may still need to seek approval from his head of state before any agreements between two or more countries are cemented.
In addition to political diplomats, there are a number of people who can represent a country for private non-profit organizations, such as the World Health Organization. A head of state cannot make these appointments, and the person nominated can be referred to as a “goodwill” ambassador. Such an appointment does not give this type of agent any special powers, but it may give them the opportunity to address heads of state, make reports, or make recommendations based on their work for a charitable or non-profit agency. It can also further the cause of portraying a country as compassionate to other nations. A number of high-profile actors and actresses have been goodwill ambassadors to foreign organizations or countries.
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