Mark Pierce
Biography
Publications
Mark Pierce was a diplomat and is now a writer who has spent years living in France and Germany.
Zelenskyy might have benefited from a warm-up before talking to Trump
And other hints for a president – or foreign minister – to write their own talking points
Trust in our leaders: A universal currency
An intangible mix of competency, honesty and commitment is the glue that holds politics, economies and societies together.
Revealing India’s Cold War secrets
Indians worried about interference by “the foreign hand” in their affairs might have over-estimated their adversaries.
The perils of recruiting a modern diplomat
Absent Hogwarts’ sorting hat, selection panels can do better.
What makes a remarkable political oration?
A confessed speech snob explores the complex anatomy of the perfect address.
What should world leaders read?
Unlike polls and social media, the classics teach humility.
Tips for new world leaders: Keep it real, and keep it local
Those in the statecraft caper could do worse than to fake it until they make it.
The language of respect in world politics
A former diplomat muses on the vagaries of foreign policy dialogue … and the importance of the subjunctive mood.
Out of the way, USA
Focus on the United States might well reduce our bandwidth for what is going on in other regions.
