Dr Rogelia Pastor-Castro recently welcomed Leigh Turner CMG to speak to students on the MSc Diplomacy and International Security programme. Mr Turner served as the UK Ambassador to Austria and Ukraine. His previous roles include serving as the Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Vienna from 2016 to 2021, as well as HM Consul General in Istanbul. His talk, entitled 'Lessons in Diplomacy: How to Survive a Diplomatic Crisis' drew on his 42-year diplomatic career in Vienna, Moscow, Kyiv, and Istanbul, as well as insights from his current book.

In an engaging lecture, Mr Turner explored a broad range of topics, including the role of diplomats, crisis management, and effective preparation strategies. The lively Q&A session addressed the UK's diplomatic and security challenges, the legacy of colonialism, and the country's relationship with both the EU and the US. Mr Turner also signed copies of his book and expressed his admiration for the high level of student engagement.

Dr Pastor-Castro, the programme's director, emphasized the value of inviting experienced practitioners to provide students with real-world insights, describing such engagement as a vital component of the MSc programme. Previous distinguished speakers have included Christiane Hullman, the German Consul General in Edinburgh; Joanna Goodburn, a former EU diplomat; and Lord Ricketts, a former National Security Advisor and Ambassador to France. 

The Foreign Office has awarded the MSc in Diplomacy and International Security a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship in recognition of its contribution to the scholarship theme, 'Strengthening Global Peace, Security, and Governance'. This multidisciplinary programme brings together the academic expertise of the HaSS Faculty from History, Government and Public Policy, and Law, equipping students with a comprehensive understanding of diplomacy and security challenges.

The event was featured on HaSS Instagram and TikTok accounts. 

Find out more about Diplomacy and International Security >