Editing Ambassador


{{Short description|Diplomatic envoy}}
{{About|ambassadors in general|other uses (including specific types of ambassadors)|Ambassador (disambiguation)}}
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{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2017}}
{{Diplomats}}
An '''ambassador''' is an official envoy, especially a high-ranking [[diplomat]] who represents a state and is usually accredited to another sovereign state or to an [[international organization]] as the resident representative of their own government or sovereign or appointed for a special and often temporary diplomatic assignment.<ref name=webster>{{cite web|title=ambassador|url=http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambassador|work=merriam-webster.com|access-date=4 October 2012|archive-date=23 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023122254/http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambassador|url-status=live}}</ref> The word is also used informally for people who are known, without national appointment, to represent certain professions, activities, and fields of endeavor, such as sales.

An ambassador is the ranking government representative stationed in a foreign capital or country. The host country typically allows the ambassador control of specific territory called an [[embassy]] (which may include an official residence and an office, [[chancery (diplomacy)|chancery]], located together or separately, generally in the host nation's capital), whose territory, staff, and vehicles are generally afforded [[diplomatic immunity]] in the host country. Under the [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]], an ambassador has the highest [[diplomatic rank]]. Countries may choose to maintain diplomatic relations at a lower level by appointing a [[chargé d'affaires]] in place of an ambassador.

The equivalent to an ambassador exchanged among members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] are known as [[High Commissioners (Commonwealth)|High Commissioner]]s. The ambassadors of the [[Holy See]] are known as Apostolic [[Nuncio]]s.

==Etymology==
The term is derived from Middle English ''ambassadour'', Anglo-French ''ambassateur''; akin to Old High German ''ambaht'', "service". The first known usage of the term was recorded around the 14th century.

== Purposes ==
[[File:Ambassador_(Persia).jpg|Ambassador Daoud Zadour of Persia.|thumb]]
The foreign government to which an ambassador is assigned must first approve the person. In some cases, the foreign government might reverse its approval by declaring the diplomat a ''persona non grata'', i.e. an unacceptable person. This kind of declaration usually results in recalling the ambassador to their home nation. In accordance with the Congress of Vienna of 1815 and the 1961 [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]], the ambassador and embassy staff are granted diplomatic immunity and personal safety while living abroad.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer | title = Foreign Service Officer | work = United States Department of State | quote = Purpose of Ambassador | access-date = 10 December 2019 | archive-date = 10 December 2019 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191210042547/https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/ | url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="a1" >{{cite web | url = https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/221.htm | title = Major State Department Publications | work = United States Department of State | quote = Purpose of Ambassador | access-date = 22 May 2019 | archive-date = 2 August 2018 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180802043202/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/rls/dos/221.htm | url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Protect citizens ===
Due to the advent of modern technologies, today's world is a much smaller place in relative terms. With this in mind, it is considered important that the nations of the world have at least a small staff living in foreign capitals in order to aid travelers and visitors from their home nation. As an officer of the foreign service, an ambassador is expected to protect the citizens of their home country in the host country.<ref name="a2" >{{Cite web|url=https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/|title=Foreign Service Officer|first=David|last=Nicinski|access-date=10 December 2019|archive-date=10 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210042547/https://careers.state.gov/work/foreign-service/officer/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="a1" />

=== Support prosperity ===
Another result of the increase in foreign travel is the growth of trade between nations. For most countries, the national economy is now part of the [[global economy]]. This means increased opportunities to sell and trade with other nations. When two nations are conducting a trade, it is usually advantageous to both parties to have an ambassador and perhaps a small staff living in the other land, where they act as an intermediary between cooperative businesses.<ref name="a2" /><ref name="a1" />

=== Work for peace ===
One of the cornerstones of foreign diplomatic missions is to work for peace. This task can grow into a fight against international terrorism, the drug trade, international bribery, and human trafficking. Ambassadors help stop these acts, helping people across the globe. These activities are important and sensitive and are usually carried out in coordination with the Defense Ministry of the state and the head of the nation.<ref name="a2" /><ref name="a1" />

== Rise of modern diplomacy==
[[File:Accademia - Arrivo degli ambasciatori inglesi presso il re di Bretagna di Vittore Carpaccio.jpg|thumb|upright=1.8|''Arrival of the English Ambassadors'' by [[Vittore Carpaccio]], painted between 1495 and 1500—though ostensibly part of a series of paintings on the life of [[Saint Ursula]], this actually depicts the developing diplomatic practices of the [[Republic of Venice]] in the painter's own time.]]  
Also before the rise of modern diplomatic relations, sovereign states - which traded with each other, went to war and made peace &ndash; had the need for diplomatic relations, which took various forms. For example, the city states of [[Classical Greece]] used the system of [[Proxeny]], whereby a Proxenos &ndash; who was a citizen of the host city rather than of the city whose interests he promoted - fulfilled some of the functions given to modern Ambassadors and Consuls.

The rise of the modern diplomatic system was a product of the [[Italian Renaissance]] (from around AD 1300). The use of ambassadors became a political strategy in Italy during the 15th century. The political changes in Italy altered the role of ambassadors in diplomatic affairs. Because many of the states in Italy were small, they were particularly vulnerable to larger states. The ambassador system was used to disperse information and to protect the more vulnerable states.

This practice then spread to Europe during the [[Italian Wars]]. The use and creation of ambassadors during the 15th century in Italy has had long-term effects on Europe and, in turn, the world's diplomatic and political progression. Europe still uses the same terms of ambassador rights as they had established in the 16th century, concerning the rights of the ambassadors in host countries as well as the proper diplomatic procedures. An ambassador was used as a representative of the state in which they are from to negotiate and disseminate information in order to keep peace and establish relationships with other states. This attempt was employed in the effort to maintain peaceful relations with nations and make alliances during difficult times.

The use of ambassadors today is widespread. States and [[non-state actors]] use diplomatic representatives to deal with any problems that occur within the international system. Ambassadors now normally live overseas or within the country to which it is assigned for long periods of time so that they are acquainted with the culture and local people. This way they are more politically effective and trusted, enabling them to accomplish goals that their host country desires.

== Ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary ==
[[File:AmbassadorSchwarz,Bush.jpg|thumb|Before an ambassador takes office, their credentials must be accepted, such as when South African Ambassador [[Harry Schwarz]] handed his credentials to U.S. President [[George H. W. Bush]] in 1991.]]
[[File:Maria-Pia Kothbauer with Vaclav Klaus.jpg|thumb|[[Maria-Pia Kothbauer]], Princess of Liechtenstein and ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to the Czech Republic, presenting her credentials to [[Václav Klaus]].]]

The [[Congress of Vienna]] of 1815 formalized the system of [[diplomatic rank]] under [[international law]], distinguishing between three hierarchical descending categories of diplomatic representatives: full ambassadors (including legates or ''nuntii''), accredited to heads of state; envoys or ministers, who were also accredited to heads of state; and finally [[Chargé d'affaires | chargés d’affaires]], who were accredited to [[minister of foreign affairs]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Vienna and the codification of diplomatic law|url=https://opil.ouplaw.com/page/514|access-date=2021-09-21|website=Oxford Public International Law|language=en|archive-date=21 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921155332/https://opil.ouplaw.com/page/514|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations]] of 1961, which took effect in 1964 and is still in force, modified the system. According to it, ambassadors are diplomats of the highest rank, formally representing their head of state, with [[plenipotentiary]] powers (i.e. full authority to represent the government). In modern usage, most ambassadors on foreign postings as [[head of mission]] carry the full title of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. The distinction between extraordinary and ordinary ambassadors was common when not all ambassadors resided in the country to which they are assigned, often serving only for a specific purpose or mission.<ref name="NYT">{{cite news |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/08/06/100402996.pdf |title=Embassy Councilor; Suggestion to State Department in Regard to Ex-Gov. Lind |author=Leopold Grahame |date=1913-08-03 |access-date=13 June 2018 |archive-date=4 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181104084130/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1913/08/06/100402996.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary'' being historically regarded as the personal representative of the sovereign, the custom of dispatching ambassadors to the head of state rather than the government has persisted. For example, ambassadors to and from the [[United Kingdom]] are accredited to or from the Royal [[Court of St James's]]. Ambassadors hold the highest [[diplomatic rank]] and have precedence over ''[[chargé d'affaires|chargés d'affaires]]'', who are accredited by the [[foreign minister]]. Ambassadors also outranked [[Envoy (title)|envoys]] until the 1960s, when the last legations were upgraded to embassies.

Because members of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] have or had a common head of state, they do not exchange ambassadors, but instead have [[High Commissioner (Commonwealth)|High Commissioners]], who represent the government, rather than the head of state. The diplomat representing the [[Holy See]] is titled a [[nuncio]]. In diplomatic usage, both the high commissioner and nuncio are considered equivalent in rank and role to an ambassador; high commissioners, like ambassadors, carry the full title of "High Commissioner Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary",<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.minfor.gov.gy/accreditations/president-ali-accepts-letter-of-credence-from-new-uk-high-commissioner/ | title=President Ali accepts Letter of Credence from new UK High Commissioner – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation&#124; Co-operative Republic of Guyana | access-date=27 March 2023 | archive-date=11 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111092737/https://www.minfor.gov.gy/accreditations/president-ali-accepts-letter-of-credence-from-new-uk-high-commissioner/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.svgconsulate.vc/documents/diaspora/overseas-diplomatic-missions-consulates.pdf|title=Overseas diplomatic missions|website=svgconsulate.vc|access-date=6 March 2023|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111092725/https://www.svgconsulate.vc/documents/diaspora/overseas-diplomatic-missions-consulates.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://maldiveshighcom.lk/high-commissioner-omar-met-with-the-foreign-secretary/ | title=High Commissioner Omar met with the Foreign Secretary – High Commission of Maldives, Colombo | access-date=27 March 2023 | archive-date=11 January 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111092734/https://maldiveshighcom.lk/high-commissioner-omar-met-with-the-foreign-secretary/ | url-status=live }}</ref> but nuncios do not. Resident Coordinators within the United Nations system are accredited to the Head of State and have the same rank as ambassador.

Ambassadors carry formal [[Letter of Credence|letters of credence]] from their [[head of state]], addressed to the host country's head of state. Because many Commonwealth countries have the same head of state, the accreditation of a High Commissioner is in the form of a simple and often informal letter of introduction from one [[head of government]] (Prime Minister) to that of another. The difference in accreditation is also reflected in the formal titles of envoys to foreign and Commonwealth states: e.g., British High Commissioners are formally titled "The High Commissioner for [[His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom]]", whereas British Ambassadors to foreign countries are known as "His [[Britannic Majesty| Britannic Majesty's]] Ambassador". {{Citation needed|date=March 2016}}

== Ambassador-at-large ==
{{Main|Ambassador-at-large}}
An ambassador-at-large is a diplomat of the highest rank or a minister who is accredited to represent their country. But unlike the ambassador-in-residence, who is usually limited to a country or [[embassy]], the ambassador-at-large can be appointed to operate in several usually neighbouring countries, a region or sometimes a seat of international organizations such as the United Nations or European Union. In some cases, an ambassador-at-large may even be specifically assigned a role to advise and assist the state or government in particular issues.

Historically, presidents or prime ministers have commissioned special diplomatic envoys for specific assignments, primarily overseas but sometimes also within the country as ambassadors-at-large.

==Title==
[[File:Roberto Balzaretti et Jackie Chan Paris.jpg|thumb|[[2024 Summer Olympics]] and [[2024 Summer Paralympics]] in Paris: Ambassador [[:fr:Roberto Balzaretti|Roberto Balzaretti]] welcomes [[Jackie Chan]] on 30 August at the [[House of Switzerland]] in the garden of the [[Hôtel de Besenval]], the Embassy of the [[Switzerland|Swiss Confederation]] in Paris.]]
While the title generally reflects the ambassador's second head position as head of a diplomatic mission, in some countries the term may also represent a rank held by career diplomats, as a matter of internal promotion, regardless of the posting, and in many national careers it is quite common for them to be appointed to other functions, especially within the ministry/ministries in charge of foreign affairs, in some countries in systematic alternation with actual postings.
The formal form of address for an ambassador is generally the form that would be used to address a head of state: "(Your/His/Her) [[Excellency]]" followed by name or the country represented. In many countries, less formal variations are frequently used, such as "Ambassador" followed by name, or the name followed by "Ambassador of...". In the [[United States]], "Mister/Madam Ambassador" may be used.

In some countries, a former ambassador may continue to be styled and addressed as ambassador throughout their life (in the United States, "Mr. Ambassador" or "Madam Ambassador" may be heard). In other countries, ambassador is a title that accrues to its holder only with respect to a specific position, and may not be used after leaving or beyond the position. Some countries do not use the term while an ambassador is in the home country, as the officeholder is not an ambassador there; for example, a Canadian ambassador while in Canada is not generally addressed as ambassador, although they may be referred to as "Canadian ambassador to ..."; that is, with reference to a specific job function; the person is addressed or styled as ambassador only while holding such office.

==Non-diplomatic ambassadorships==
In a less formal sense, the phrase is used for high-profile non-diplomatic representatives of various entities (rarely states), mainly cultural and charitable organizations, often as willing figureheads to attract media attention; for example, film and pop stars make appeals to the public at large for [[United Nations]] activities, sometimes during press-swarmed visits in the foreign country. Public figures are sometimes nominated or invited to endorse events designated as ambassadors, brand ambassadors, and [[goodwill ambassador]]s. 

Many times, international agencies like United Nations also appoint ambassadors to achieve the objectives of a particular mission, like the appointment of goodwill ambassador Bollywood film actress Priyanka Chopra for [[UNICEF]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.unicef.org/turkey/en/press-releases/unicef-goodwill-ambassador-priyanka-chopra-jonas-visits-ethiopia-meet-refugee|title=UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Priyanka Chopra Jonas visits Ethiopia to meet refugee children fleeing conflict and humanitarian crises|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127005555/https://www.unicef.org/turkey/en/press-releases/unicef-goodwill-ambassador-priyanka-chopra-jonas-visits-ethiopia-meet-refugee|url-status=live}}</ref> Japan adopted the cartoon character [[Hello Kitty]] as their official goodwill and tourism ambassador to China and Hong Kong in 2008.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/05/19/national/hello-kitty-to-be-goodwill-envoy/|title=Hello Kitty to be goodwill envoy|date=19 May 2008|access-date=27 January 2020|archive-date=27 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127005554/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2008/05/19/national/hello-kitty-to-be-goodwill-envoy/|url-status=live}}</ref> According to Brain, the job of a brand ambassador was undertaken typically by a celebrity or someone of a well-known presence, who was often voluntary or paid considerably for their time and effort.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://everyonesocial.com/blog/brand-ambassador/|title = The Brand Ambassador: Who Are They and Why do They Matter?|date = 4 December 2019|access-date = 27 January 2020|archive-date = 31 March 2020|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200331203533/https://everyonesocial.com/blog/brand-ambassador/|url-status = live}}</ref> In French-speaking regions such as metropolitan [[France]], [[Guadeloupe]], [[Réunion]], [[Quebec]], or [[Wallonia]], the title of ''ambassadeur personne'' is used.

Further, in the United States of America, senior career officers of the [[United States Foreign Service|U.S. Foreign Service]] may be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to the rank of [[United States Foreign Service Career Ambassador|Career Ambassador]] as professional achievement. Holders of this rank may not necessarily possess diplomatic authority or accreditation to any state, though nearly all have previously served as an Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary during their careers. By custom, they hold the rank for life (including retirement), are addressed with the title ''Ambassador'' and may use [[United States passport|U.S. Diplomatic Passports]] for all travel. Prominent career ambassadors include [[Lawrence Eagleburger]], [[William J. Burns (diplomat)|William Joseph Burns]] and [[Ryan Crocker]].

==See also==
{{Portal|Politics}}
* [[Chargé d'affaires]]
*[[Consul (representative)]]
* [[:Category:Lists of ambassadors|Lists of ambassadors]]
*[[Diplomacy]]
*[[Diplomatic rank]]
*[[Goodwill ambassador]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Bibliography ==
* {{cite book | last = Rana | first = Kishan | year = 2003 | title = The 21st Century Ambassador: people who are very important | url = https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-21st-century-ambassador-9780198069669?cc=us&lang=en& | publisher = Oxford University Press | access-date = 10 December 2019 | archive-date = 7 May 2020 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200507194651/https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-21st-century-ambassador-9780198069669?cc=us&lang=en& | url-status = dead }}

== External links ==
{{Wiktionary}}
{{Commons category|Ambassadors}}
*[https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ambassador Ambassador] – [[Merriam-Webster]]
* {{cite web |url=http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=29741 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140112095115/http://www.international.ucla.edu/article.asp?parentid=29741 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-01-12 |title=The Ambassador's Role |work=UCLA}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle= Ambassador | volume= 1 |last=Phillips|first=Walter Alison |author-link=Walter Alison Phillips| pages = 791&ndash;792 |short= 1}}

{{Diplomacy}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Ambassadors| ]]
[[Category:Diplomatic ranks]]
[[Category:Government occupations]]