Beyond Time and Space in Diplomacy: Ambassador Jaiyeola Joseph Lewu at 80

Diplomatic autobiographies offer invaluable insider perspectives on global affairs, providing firsthand accounts of crises, conflicts, and peace negotiations. These memoirs serve as crucial primary sources for academic research, shedding light on high-stakes political disagreements and the personal sacrifices involved in diplomatic careers.

The article references several internationally recognized diplomatic memoirs. These include Marie Yovanovitch's "Lessons from the Edge: A Memoir," which details her experiences as a U.S. ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Ukraine, and her removal due to a political disinformation campaign. Other examples cited are Eamon Delaney's "An Accidental Diplomat: My Years in the Irish Foreign Service" and Michelle Obama's "Becoming."

Beyond international figures, the piece highlights a rich collection of Nigerian diplomatic memoirs. These national accounts document a wide range of experiences, from Amb. Oladele Akadiri's "Diplomacy, World Peace and Security" to Amb. Bello Husseini Kazaure's "Humility in Diplomacy: Autobiography of Ambassador Bello Husseini Kazaure." The list includes works by Amb. Peter Layi Oyedele, Amb. Femi George, Amb. Oladapo Olusola Fafowora, Amb. Olusola Sanu, Amb. Abdul Rimdap, Amb. Abdullahi Atta, Amb. M. K. Ibrahim, Amb. Tayo Ogunsulire, and Amb. Enny Onobu.

The article also touches upon the fundamental concepts of "time and space" in diplomacy, describing them as inseparable elements that diplomats navigate. It distinguishes between the classical notion of a "diplomatist" and the contemporary understanding of "diplomats" as defined by the 1961 Vienna Convention. The core functions of a diplomat are identified as representational, protective, and promotive.