Foreign Service officers become ambassadors by rising through the ranks, and the other 30 percent come from political appointees. Selling the title of ambassador is illegal and a threat to national security, but it remains a common practice. The book suggests that reform is needed and that who the president is matters in determining how well the United States will be represented abroad.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 437 pages
Publication date: 26 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Who Becomes an American Ambassador?

If you've ever wondered who becomes an American ambassador and why, this is the book for you. It delves into the process of how Foreign Service officers rise through the ranks to become ambassadors, accounting for approximately 70 percent of the total number of ambassadors. Additionally, it explores the origins of the remaining 30 percent, who are political appointees who secure their positions through their support of the president during his campaign, as campaign contributors, political allies, or personal friends.

Despite being illegal and a threat to national security, selling the title of ambassador remains a common practice that is uniquely prevalent in the United States. This book examines the reasons behind this practice and its implications for the country's representation abroad. It also considers why some proposed reforms are misguided and proposes practical solutions to address the issues. Moreover, it emphasizes the critical role of the president in determining the effectiveness of American diplomatic representation abroad.

This updated and revised edition of Jett's classic book offers a comprehensive and timely exploration of American ambassadorship, providing valuable insights for Foreign Service Officers, aspiring diplomats, and interested citizens alike. It serves as a call to action for necessary reform, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the United States is well-represented abroad through a fair and transparent ambassadorial appointments process.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 147 x 209 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030837686
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2022