“left the professional diplomatic apparatus stunned”
Could they possibly be that stupid? I’ve always assumed that they chose a policy of appeasement because they knew it wouldn’t work. Or, at best, in spite of the fact that they knew it wouldn’t work.
The professional diplomatic apparatus is just like any bureaucratic group, how do they make sure there is an on going, continuous need for our group. As with any bureaucratic group it is the mission and not the results that are important. Having countries quickly resolve issues is a direct threat to the bureaucratic group we call diplomats. Look at all the pomp, ceremonies and protocols diplomats insist are absolutely necessary to establishing and maintaining relationships.
“Could they possibly be that stupid?”
Honestly, it’s not that they’re stupid. I actually do not like that word, because I think everyone has something to contribute if they put their mind to it - and whose to say what ‘smart’ is? That said, the real issue is that several ridiculous myths have been propagated for years. One myth is that going to an Ivy league school or other high prestige university means that you are one of the brightest people on Earth. That’s just not a general truth, for a myriad of reasons. Yet, government is inundated with these people. It drags down the ability of government to do its job.
Another myth is that those who make it to higher level elected office are also amongst the ‘brightest and best’. Some are, many aren’t, and it just doesn’t correlate. The primary skills required for being an elected politician these days include being good at raising campaign money, knowing how to speak in generalities, and essentially being good at schmoozing people. Hardly a formula for thinking up great solutions for what ails the world.
The “professional diplomatic apparatus” stuns easily, you know...