Book Talk – Diplomat’s Dictionary

In his classic work Diplomat’s Dictionary, Ambassador Chas Freeman sets out a collection of definitions of the diplomatic craft and terminology; part Talleyrand, and part Ambrose Bierce. First published in 1994, this remains the most acute, the wittiest and the pithiest of all introductions to the practice of diplomacy. In an era when it sometimes seems that the US and Europe possess not diplomats but anti-diplomats, its lessons are more important than ever. To discuss the book and its lessons, Ambassador Freeman was joined by Anatol Lieven, director of the Eurasia program at the Quincy Institute.

Download the full webinar transcript here:

[pacoshuman]

What a wonderful world we would live in if Ambassador Freeman was the US president! What a difference for us human beings!

[finnishlaika]

Gentlemen, let me express my deepest admiration for the eloquence and truthfulness on personal testimony of mr. Freeman. I have followed his stances on international issues for some time now through public videos such as these. My hope and conviction is, aforementioned contribution will serve later times, however little there seems to be understanding of these issues among the western leadership at the moment. My sincere thanks to you for providing your insight, and my greetings from Finland.

[Marius_vanderLubbe]

Mr Freeman is such a wonderful man to listen to and learn from. Thank you for having him on.

[rubadubsoldier]

This is the only American I would subscribe to any channel or publication he is involved with and pay for the privilege.

[soniavadnjal]

Sounds as if such discussions are necessary for these times. Subbed.

[deanzaZZR]

I would love to see a series of articles on international relations by Chas in the New York Times but I know that will never happen.

[GOBEF]

Freeman is the last US diplomatic GEM! tragically replaced by rough pebbles & dust only now :(

[macrosense]

Our diplomats are restrained by the prerogatives of the executive branch.

[EvanArlen-vg]

Lopez Christopher Williams Kenneth Lopez Amy

[MuratGonullu-lx]

Robinson Joseph Williams Michelle Rodriguez Edward

[literatious]

@44:05 “wars don’t determine who’s right, they determine who’s left”. I love his wry pithy humor.
Excellent chat. I also have concluded that Meersheimer & US foreign policy towards China is erroneous & dangerous.

[LowescC]

damn-Chas with the yucks....who knew
( btw @ 32:15
( he's been....shall we a tad to the back of the bin in history" )