Lessons in Diplomacy: How to survive a crisis, and more

Is a diplomat’s life really as glamorous as a royal visit, or as dramatic as a coup

d’état in Turkey? Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who led posts in

Ukraine, Turkey and Austria. In a witty globe-trotting adventure through one of the

most intriguing careers a person can have, Leigh will talk about his interactions with

royalty of both the aristocratic and celebrity kinds, and with brilliant and extraordinary

people, and the lessons we all can draw from this – whether aspiring diplomats or

non-diplomats. Based on his new book "Lessons in Diplomacy: Politics, Power and

Parties" (Bristol University Press, September 2024) Leigh will do a deep dive into

key lessons such as “How to survive a crisis”, “How to handle politicians”, “How to

know people”, and “How to grapple with a legacy of colonialism”. Have you ever

wondered what diplomats and ambassadors really do, or how to become one? Leigh

Turner will be happy to explain.

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the book before the event (which you can bing to get signed!), please head to and enter the discount code LID50. This gives a 50% discount on the hardback version (usual price £19.99) and the epub version for e-readers (usual price £14.99). The discount doesn't apply to the Kindle version.

Please also note that the exact loccation of the event will be published nearer the time once we have heard from the room bookings team at the university. The event will be near George Square.

Host or Publisher University of Edinburgh Diplomacy Society