Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Ambassador Nicholas Burns (former U.S. Ambassador to China) and Ambassador Jane Hartley (former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and to France and Monaco) discuss the evolving demands of diplomacy and the future of the Foreign Service in a wide-ranging conversation at Harvard Kennedy School.
The conversation marks the launch of the new Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft, led by Burns, which is focused on preparing a new generation of diplomats to operate in an increasingly complex global environment. Drawing on their experience representing the United States at the highest levels, Burns and Hartley examine how diplomacy must adapt to geopolitical competition, technological change, and shifting alliances.
Moderated by Meghan O’Sullivan, this discussion offers practical insight into the skills, structures, and strategic mindset required for effective statecraft today.
Topics include:
How the role of the diplomat is changing
Lessons from recent U.S. engagements with China, the UK, and Europe
The future of the U.S. Foreign Service
Training and preparing a modern diplomatic corps
This event was hosted by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.
Ambassador Nicholas Burns (former U.S. Ambassador to China) and Ambassador Jane Hartley (former U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and to France and Monaco) discuss the evolving demands of diplomacy and the future of the Foreign Service in a wide-ranging conversation at Harvard Kennedy School.
The conversation marks the launch of the new Program on Diplomacy and Statecraft, led by Burns, which is focused on preparing a new generation of diplomats to operate in an increasingly complex global environment. Drawing on their experience representing the United States at the highest levels, Burns and Hartley examine how diplomacy must adapt to geopolitical competition, technological change, and shifting alliances.
Moderated by Meghan O’Sullivan, this discussion offers practical insight into the skills, structures, and strategic mindset required for effective statecraft today.
Topics include:
How the role of the diplomat is changing
Lessons from recent U.S. engagements with China, the UK, and Europe
The future of the U.S. Foreign Service
Training and preparing a modern diplomatic corps
This event was hosted by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at Harvard Kennedy School.
