Lessons in Diplomacy
Location:
National Army Museum (Foyle 2.1)
Date & time:
Thursday 26 Sep 2024, 5.00pm
Price:
£12.00
Statecraft has never been more important, or more intricate. In this panel discussion, three experts discuss the role of soldiers in military diplomacy.
About the event
How does military diplomacy work? Recent years have seen Brexit, Russia’s war with Ukraine, and sometimes chaotic British politics, all leading to challenges in statecraft. Daniel Cowling, Historian at the National Army Museum, discusses the interaction between soldiers and diplomats with two expert practitioners – former British ambassador Leigh Turner, and Major General (retd.) Rob Thomson. Using stories from their own careers, they will consider the role played by the Army in British diplomacy, the challenges and opportunities, and some of their most extraordinary experiences, as well as Leigh Turner’s new book ‘Lessons in Diplomacy’.
About the speakers
Leigh Turner is a former British ambassador who held posts in Ukraine and Turkey before becoming Britain’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Vienna.
Major General (Retd.) Rob Thomson has been Defence Attaché in Paris and Commander of British Forces Cyprus before retiring in 2022.
FAQs
Is the National Army Museum accessible?Yes, the National Army Museum is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch at info@nam.ac.uk or call 020 7730 0717,
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
Check out more events at this venue
Napoleon: Man vs Myth
- 18 June 2025, 5.30pm
- National Army Museum
- £20.00 to £25.00
Join our panel of experts, including the co-editors of 'Napoleonic Objects and Their Afterlives', to get to the heart of who Napoleon Bonaparte really was.
More infoSiborne Lecture: The Legacy of Waterloo
- 19 June 2025, 6.00pm
- National Army Museum
- Free
Join us for the annual Siborne Lecture at the National Army Museum, in partnership with the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), exploring the history and culture of the Napoleonic Wars.
More infoSoldier Stories: Queer Service
- 28 June 2025, 11.00am
- National Army Museum
- £12.50
Join expert guide Dan de la Motte as he showcases the lives and experiences of queer soldiers who have served in the Army.
More infoVictorian Art: Sensory Tour
- 6 July 2025, 11.00am
- National Army Museum
- Free
Explore our forthcoming exhibition ‘Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria’ through a sensory tour guided by our Community Engagement Team.
More info