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What is an Envoy?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An envoy is a visiting representative sent from one nation to another. The term is generally used interchangeably with “diplomat.” The envoy acts as one deputy of a diplomatic mission to maintain cordial and productive relations between two nations. The duties and responsibilities of an envoy vary, depending on the parent nation, but as a general rule envoys can expect to work with representatives of the nations they visit to achieve commonly desired goals such as trade treaties or peaceful relations.

The concept of diplomacy is ancient. As long as humans have differentiated between nations, tribes, and other collective groups, specific individuals within one community have approached representatives of another to reach agreements. Historically, diplomats have been offered unique privileges which are not available to other people, such as diplomatic immunity. An envoy is usually regarded as a sacred messenger, and it is highly unusual for a visiting envoy to be killed or imprisoned, as long as he or she obeys international laws and treaties.

Envoys represent their countries, often on diplomatic missions.
Envoys represent their countries, often on diplomatic missions.

Different countries have different systems for choosing their envoys. As a general rule, an envoy is well educated and fluent in at least one additional language. The envoy acts as a representative of her or his nation while abroad, and as such the envoy must have a superb character. Once an envoy is hired, he or she is usually sent to a specific country, remaining there for the duration of a posting.

An envoy, sometimes known as a diplomat, may travel to other countries frequently.
An envoy, sometimes known as a diplomat, may travel to other countries frequently.

Collectively, the group of envoys at a foreign embassy is usually called the “diplomatic mission.” The highest ranking envoy or diplomat is the ambassador, who works with an assortment of lower level envoys. The embassy negotiates issues with its host nation, and also hosts events and parties to promote good relations between the two countries. In addition, the embassy assists citizens of its parent nation, should they run into difficulties abroad.

An envoy must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
An envoy must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.

Someone who is interested in being an envoy should start planning ahead early. Behaving irreproachably is an important step, because envoys usually undergo background checks. A prospective envoy should also study several languages, and become well versed in the politics and history of multiple nations. Many countries select their envoys through a civil service exam, which is periodically offered to all eligible citizens. Prospective envoys should register for and take this examination, after extensive study.

Prospective envoys undergo thorough background checks and should be well-versed in the language and politics of multiple nations.
Prospective envoys undergo thorough background checks and should be well-versed in the language and politics of multiple nations.

If a test take gets a sufficiently high score, he or will she will invited back for further interview and testing. Pending a background check, the envoy may be accepted for training and eventual deployment to a nation or region. People who are interested in diplomacy as a career should be aware that it can be dangerous, even with diplomatic immunity, and that they may be subject to sudden changes of residence or job position.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HistoricalIndex researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

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    • Envoys represent their countries, often on diplomatic missions.
      By: auremar
      Envoys represent their countries, often on diplomatic missions.
    • An envoy, sometimes known as a diplomat, may travel to other countries frequently.
      By: Pezography
      An envoy, sometimes known as a diplomat, may travel to other countries frequently.
    • An envoy must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
      By: Scott Griessel
      An envoy must have excellent negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
    • Prospective envoys undergo thorough background checks and should be well-versed in the language and politics of multiple nations.
      By: Alex3
      Prospective envoys undergo thorough background checks and should be well-versed in the language and politics of multiple nations.