Independent Diplomat (ID), founded in 2004 by former British diplomat Carne Ross, is an innovative venture in the world of international relations. Independent Diplomat’s staff comprises experienced former diplomats, international lawyers and other experts in international relations. ID’s advice is impartial and its staff members have no allegiance or affiliation to other governments or institutions.

Independent Diplomat works with a broad network of individuals and organisations, including law firms, commercial consultancies and universities, who support and assist their work on a pro bono basis.

Independent Diplomat holds itself and its clients to strict ethical standards.  It requires its clients to be committed to democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

ID is a non-profit organisation supported by donations from foundations and individual donors, as well as by fees from their clients who have the means.  Their work for the least wealthy countries, which are often the most marginalised, only happens thanks to support from their donors.

Services

Independent Diplomat offers a range of services to improve the diplomatic performance of its clients across the three pillars of modern diplomacy:

Political Strategy

Independent Diplomat helps its clients navigate complex diplomatic processes by providing strategic political analysis and advice based on a thorough understanding of the diplomatic landscape.

International Law

There is always a legal dimension to the diplomatic strategy that ID devises for its clients. It may be front and center of the strategy or deep background to ID’s advice. ID moreover requires that its clients be committed to the rule of law. By doing so ID contributes to the peaceful resolution of disputes and respect for international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Public Diplomacy And Media Strategy

ID works with its clients so that their public diplomacy strategy reinforces their policy goals. ID’s public diplomacy advice employs the broad array of media and digital tools, including strategic use of speeches and talking points, op-eds, interviews, background briefings, communiqués, statements, social media campaigns, NGO briefings, and events. ID helps clients drive the narrative and shape policy.