Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE

British diplomat. Ideas and advice on working across cultures, languages, and ways of thinking. Personal views not necessarily those of government.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Protection of the weak depends on the rule of law.
* government accountable
* courts independent
* freedoms safeguarded
Pre-pandemic authoritarian trends are continuing.

[World Justice Project @TheWJP]

NEW FINDING: #RuleofLaw has declined globally for the 5th year in a row.

The 2022 WJP #RuleofLawIndex is out now.

https://t.co/z1869PjVv2

[Department for Culture, Media and Sport @DCMS]

In 1920, the body of an unidentified soldier was returned from France's battlefields to be buried in Westminster Abbey

But how did a single rose that accompanied the Unknown Warrior come to hold special significance for one family?

@I_W_M | #LestWeForget

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

The UN’s climate conference opened today in Egypt.

I am proud to have served as British Ambassador for Climate at the 2015 Conference.

We need to get on track. The impact of the agreement we reached in Paris depends on greater technological, political & diplomatic ambition now.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Our principles and ideals are a part of our national identity.

These compasses, and the civil service, keep us on track in periods of political transition.

[End of thread]

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

What happens to diplomats when there’s a new Prime Minister?

We civil servants serve you all (if you’re British). We are not tied to any leader or political group. Fortunately for me we never stand for election.

The Foreign Office (FCDO) supports whichever PM is in place. 🧵

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Shortly after, a successor is giving us a motivational speech.

The ambassadors logging in are pondering what the ministers might be like to work with, and any new policy ideas.

But our international relationships and foreign policy priorities have continuity and direction.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

@RobSuarezSoto No indication of that as yet.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Good morning. LinkedIn has suspended my personal account.

So here on Twitter I will be posting more ideas, anecdotes and advice on diplomacy and working across differences of culture, politics & ideology. Respectful comments and opinions always welcome.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

@nothegolfer @LinkedInHelp No indication of the reason as yet.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

> Stop worrying about stereotypes.

> Get up, get out there and go for it.

The words of Britain’s 1st female black Ambassador @NneNneUK + 1st male black Ambassador Lord Boateng.

Your ethnicity, sex orientation, gender or poorer background don’t disqualify you from 🇬🇧 diplomacy.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

@LinkedInHelp Thank you for your comment and for the Team’s holding reply. Looking forward to learn the reason for the suspension. Meanwhile, feel free to follow me on Twitter 😉

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

@msfcuba1 Sadly not. I’m awaiting further explanation. Thanks @msfcuba1 for your support.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

If you follow my personal LinkedIn posts on diplomacy: I am sorry that my account there has been suspended. The LinkedIn case officer has told me that the issue may require “additional research”.

Thank you to all who have sent messages.🙏

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

In Westminster Cathedral lie the remains of Sir John Southworth, minister to London’s dying during the plague years, tortured and executed there in 1654.

All Saints’ Day is a profound reminder to stand up for the principles you believe in, even at personal cost to yourself. 💜

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

My heart is with the victims of the horrific incident this evening in my old home city Seoul. All my thoughts are with them, and their families and friends. 🙏💔

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Hats off to my talented colleagues who have worked on the Ukraine/Russia crisis response in London, and in missions around the world. Those suffering from that catastrophe deserve all our efforts.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Interested in a career in diplomacy?

Life as a diplomat comes with painful drawbacks. But benefits and privileges are exceptional. I have been fortunate.

Some comments on pros and cons of working in diplomacy, to follow later.

[Dr Antony Stokes LVO OBE @embAntony]

Here in London there is no shortage of difficult news. But it is not hard to find blessings for which to feel grateful.
🙏 🇬🇧