Nicholas Kralev on the Future of Diplomacy: Preparing the Next Generation of Diplomats

On November 26, 2025, the Fletcher School at Tufts University, in collaboration with WorldBoston, hosted an engaging and insightful event: “The Future of Diplomacy: Preparing the Next Generation of Diplomats.” The conversation featured Nicholas Kralev, a seasoned foreign correspondent and the founding executive director of the Washington International Diplomatic Academy.

Kralev addressed a persistent global challenge: new diplomats often enter their careers without adequate training. Many lack essential skills needed for embassy work and must spend years learning on the job, delaying impact and lowering the overall effectiveness of diplomacy worldwide.

Drawing on his vast experience, Kralev offered solutions rooted in structured, professional diplomacy training. He spoke about developing programs that equip future diplomats with the tools and techniques required from day one.

A highlight of the evening was Kralev’s discussion of his new book, Diplomatic Tradecraft, the first-ever practical diplomacy textbook, published by Cambridge University Press. This work brings together real-world strategies, grounded in years of observation and firsthand experience.

Kralev’s career spans reporting for the Financial Times and Washington Times, and traveling extensively with four U.S. Secretaries of State. His global insights come from visiting over 107 countries and more than 80 U.S. embassies, making him a rare voice on what diplomacy truly looks like in practice.

His earlier works, including America’s Other Army and Diplomats in the Trenches, continue to shape thinking around the evolving role of the U.S. Foreign Service in the 21st century. His academic and linguistic background—a master’s from Harvard’s Kennedy School and fluency in five languages—further enriches his contributions to this critical field.

We are proud to have hosted this vital conversation at the Fletcher School, amplifying the call for better preparation of tomorrow’s diplomatic leaders. Stay tuned to the Murrow Center for more events at the intersection of global affairs, communication, and public service.