The contribution of publications by diplomats to knowledge creation and opinion formation : a framework with bibliographic references from Egypt

Abstract

In their professional career, diplomats essentially write for the internal confidential use of their national authorities. However, there is an increasing space for them to publish for wider audiences. This dissertation aims at identifying the functions that writings by diplomats provide on the national and international levels. In this context, the study will explore the contribution of diplomats’ publications to: • Historiography through the recounts of events as witnessed by their authors. Here, the role of oral history will be specifically reviewed. • Comparative development by highlighting experiences that could be imported to home countries. That is particularly the case as diplomats enjoy the almost unique characteristic of being fully affiliated to their national authorities while, by very nature of their profession, one the most ‘exposed’ to, and immersed in, international environments. • Academic specialized studies by sharing the perspective of practicing professionals. The interaction between theory and practice will be the main subject explored here. • International and national public opinion by attempting to shape the narrative of events. While diplomatic writings may essentially be written in the national language and geared for local audiences, they doubtlessly attract the interests of foreign audiences given that their subject matter will, most often than not, address issues of foreign policy. Such narrates may hence offer different perspectives than the ones prevalent nationally and hence be a factor of (re)shaping public opinion. • Fictious and non-fictious literature through memoirs and autobiographies of senior diplomats as public personalities, or by simply authoring novels, poetry and other forms of literature. Diplomats have embarked on creative writings as several of them rose to status of fame in literature by winning some of its most prestigious prizes. The professional writing skills that diplomats accrue throughout their careers may a times easily translate to talented literary writings. While the dissertation does not necessarily focus on one national case throughout the study, it makes references to the publications of Egyptian diplomats, the author being one of them, in its penultimate chapter.