Experiences of Diplomacy with John Richardson, former Ambassador to Brazil

Diplomacy is the most important institution of our society of states. Diplomacy’s main aim is to enable states to secure their foreign policy objectives without resorting to force. Its primary tools are international dialogue and negotiation. Its success for any country is influenced by both the country’s hard and soft power with diplomats playing an important role in the projection of soft power. Based on a career spent promoting Australia’s interests overseas, John Richardson, former Ambassador to Brazil, discusses with James Carey what it means to conduct diplomacy, what a diplomatic negotiation looks like, and his experience of bridging cultural gaps.