‘Quiet achievers’, diplomatic fumbles and wins: the power of strategic messaging
Published by Jane Hardy
Jane analyses the potential power and pitfalls of strategic messaging via formal bilateral diplomatic statements - many of which she has drafted for ministers and prime ministers during her 3 decade-long diplomatic career.
Words matter. Messages with consistency, clarity and purpose can be powerful tools to shape positions, policies and political agendas. Diplomatic messaging has always been an essential tool of statecraft. Hundreds of official statements are publicly released by Australian leaders and ministers each year. Crafted by diplomats and their colleagues in defence, economic and other relevant portfolios, these statements can be ‘quiet achievers’ to shape perceptions globally, even if not garnering much media attention at the time.
