Independent Diplomat

Independent Diplomat's philosophy is informed by Carne Ross' experience at the United Nations Security Council, most notably the "very obvious imbalance [...] between the diplomatic resources and skills of the powerful countries, and everyone else. In his eponym book, he argues that the "numerous smaller UN missions struggle to cover the enormous and proliferating agendas of the UN General Assembly, Security Council and specialised committees with just one or two horribly overworked and under-equipped diplomats."[1]

In 2009, Independent Diplomat’s staff included Carne Ross (Executive Director) and Thomas J. Miller (head of its Washington office). Its Advisory Council included Alyson Bailes, Edward Mortimer, Eva Nowotny, and Sir Kieran Prendergast. Former members include Ian Martin and Danilo Türk. Its board of directors includes Parag Khanna, Victor Navasky, and David Rieff. It was funded for approximately $1.8 million per year by foundation and government donations, as well as fees from their clients. Poorer organisations charged nominal fees only.[2]

Independent Diplomat provides 'freelance' diplomats to unrecognised governments (i.e. governments of seceded or proto-states that do not (yet) have international recognition. Often these governments have little experience in dealing with international bureaucracy.[2] It works to enable broader participation in diplomatic forums such as the United Nations,[3] European Union, African Union, etc. Independent Diplomat’s goal is to contribute to just and sustainable solutions to international problems by promoting inclusiveness and accountability in foreign policy.

It is an independent organization, without connection to any particular governments or institutions, which only helps those who support democracy, human rights and the rule of law.

Independent Diplomat’s projects have included: helping Kosovo achieve recognition as a new state,[2] the National Coalition Government of the Union of Burma, Somaliland, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and Western Sahara. They also assist the Republic of the Marshall Islands in navigating international diplomatic processes on climate change and manage a project to reform the working methods of the United Nations Security Council. The organisation has also assisted various non-profit organisations, including: Human Rights First, the International Center for Transitional Justice and the World Wide Fund for Nature.

According to Andrew Hudson of Crisis Action, Independent Diplomat "... fills a critical diplomatic deficit."[4]