Lessons in Diplomacy

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 led 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.

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Why did Russia invade Ukraine? on Transforming Society

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

“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

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

“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.” Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

“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.

“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

“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

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

"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

"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

"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

"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

“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

"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

“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

“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

"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

"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

“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

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

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

“‘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

Prologue: diplomacy in flux

Introduction: how to become an ambassador

Chapter 1: How to survive a crisis

Chapter 2: How to tackle terrorism

Chapter 3: How to fail at geopolitical change: Brexit

Chapter 4: How (not) to introduce democracy

Chapter 5: How to understand Putin’s war on Ukraine

Chapter 6: How to deal with the legacy of colonialism

Chapter 7: How to handle politicians

Chapter 8: How to learn from diplomatic tradecraft

Chapter 9: How to drink wine and know things

Chapter 10: How to know people

Chapter 11: How to be interrogated

Chapter 12: How to keep your feet on the ground

Chapter 13: How to craft a career

Chapter 14: How to be an ambassador

Chapter 15: How to make diplomacy reflect our changing world

Epilogue: top tips for diplomats and ambassadors