In line with the announcement of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to mark year 2016 as the Year of Reading, Emirates Diplomatic Academy hosted the official launch of the book, 'Naked Diplomacy', by Tom Fletcher, Former British Ambassador to Lebanon, on June 21st 2016, highlighting EDA's efforts to promote diplomacy as a reliable instrument of foreign policy.

Tom Fletcher, the youngest appointed British Ambassador, explores the core principles of a progressive 21st century foreign policy in his first book, 'Naked Diplomacy'. The book also explains the balancing of interventionism and national interest, and how diplomats can use international governance to accomplish their national objectives.

In the book, Fletcher highlights the vibrant history of diplomacy, and the ever changing role of the diplomat. Explaining the knowledge from history's most influential worldwide leaders and diplomats, Fletcher goes on to analyse the increase of smart power, soft power and the new interventionism.

Speaking on the occasion, Bernardino Leon, Director General of EDA, said: "The book launch event comes as part of EDA's involvement in the Year of Reading activities. The effort enhances the Academy's continuous effort to promote the very best worldwide practices in diplomacy, and offer our students innovative platforms to acquire the required skills, experience and knowledge to excel in their career."

Commenting on the event, Tom Fletcher stated: "I am proud to be related to Emirates Diplomatic Academy for the launch of this book. The role of the academy is important in establishing the next generation of diplomats to tackle the worldwide challenges of the 21st century."

Fletcher added: "Diplomacy continues to have a considerable effect on individuals's lives. With the amazing reach of social media, diplomats have the means to affect the nations they operate in on an enormous scale. I hope that 'Naked Diplomacy' offers a few of the answers on how we can make diplomacy even better at promoting tolerance and coexistence in the new digital terrain."

Tom Fletcher is a Visiting Professor of International Relations at New York University, and Visiting Professor of Diplomatic Practice at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy. He was British Ambassador to Lebanon from
Emirates Diplomatic Academy plays a vital function in supporting the strategic diplomacy goals and aspirations of the UAE. The Academy functions as a crucial pillar in developing the country's future diplomatic corps and foreign policy thought leadership through its integrated courses that integrates academic programs and training, research and analysis highlighting the UAE's leading role in global relations.