Reading your article is like a great flashback still so valid for me today. I wrote a concept about nationless net nomads in 2003, tattooed it on my arms... and today I am working in an embassy in Canada. An yes, Embassies struggle so hard to get connected to communities, but they prefer stay in their safe bubble, isolated from what's happening outside their box. I am working on a hub right now, which start-up in 2025... stay tuned if you want to join the tribe.
I think embassies like what you describe should focus on serving community members with support on navigatong bureaucratic hurdles that prevent deeper connection with host countries (ex visas, taxes, legal system).
The situation you describe may be limited to embassies of big countries like UK, USA, Australia. As a Belgian citizen, currently residing in Indonesia, I have never encountered problems in contacting my embassy or consulate while abroad. On the contrary, they seem more like what you describe as the former glory. No fortress, no high fence, no guards at the door, the Belgian Embassy in Jakarta is a very welcoming hub of culture, art, education and commerce, and they organize frequent activities, programs and trade missions to promote Belgian culture and commerce. They also have a roving consular service to other paces within Indonesia to make themselves more accessible to Belgian expats and tourists. I have visited the embassies of USA and Australia and was put off by the unfriendly and sometimes-downright hostile reception at those places. Not a very good representation for their countries. Perhaps the big ones could take a look at the playbook of smaller countries, make themselves more approachable and prioritise services to their own citizens abroad.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It's fascinating to hear that Belgium seems to have the embassy vibe right, at least more so than other countries. Love your suggestion about bigger countries looking at the smaller underdog nations' success too.
Embassies could better reflect the culture and values of their nations by emphasizing cultural exchange and dialogue, rather than just functioning as administrative hubs. They should serve as cultural ambassadors, hosting events like exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that highlight their nation’s history, art, and modern societal values. For example, Spain’s embassies could showcase not just flamenco and tapas but also its commitment to renewable energy and its role in the EU—well, “commitment.” That’s debatable, but a healthy debate is kind of the point, right?
To make embassies more valuable, they could offer services beyond consular needs.
These are a few rough ideas:
1. Cultural Education Centers: Offering free or low-cost language and cultural competence classes, helping locals and expats (should I just use the word immigrants?) connect with the culture authentically.
2. Community Hubs: Providing spaces for expatriates and locals to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that reflect shared values like sustainability, inclusion, or innovation.
3. Career and Wellness Support: As someone navigating self-employment and international life, I’d also value embassies offering guidance on global work opportunities or mental health resources tailored to expatriates. There’s a lot more research to be done on third-culture kids and people who feel spread across cultures.
By becoming centers of cultural diplomacy and community building, embassies could move beyond bureaucracy to embody the soul of the nations they represent, fostering a sense of belonging and global connection.
Well! This was a fabulous piece of writing and I'm very glad I read it. It was insightful, forward-thinking and creative. Thank you very much for sharing your vision and pointing out the current anachronistic role of embassies for both their citizens and local community.
Reading your article is like a great flashback still so valid for me today. I wrote a concept about nationless net nomads in 2003, tattooed it on my arms... and today I am working in an embassy in Canada. An yes, Embassies struggle so hard to get connected to communities, but they prefer stay in their safe bubble, isolated from what's happening outside their box. I am working on a hub right now, which start-up in 2025... stay tuned if you want to join the tribe.
I think embassies like what you describe should focus on serving community members with support on navigatong bureaucratic hurdles that prevent deeper connection with host countries (ex visas, taxes, legal system).
The situation you describe may be limited to embassies of big countries like UK, USA, Australia. As a Belgian citizen, currently residing in Indonesia, I have never encountered problems in contacting my embassy or consulate while abroad. On the contrary, they seem more like what you describe as the former glory. No fortress, no high fence, no guards at the door, the Belgian Embassy in Jakarta is a very welcoming hub of culture, art, education and commerce, and they organize frequent activities, programs and trade missions to promote Belgian culture and commerce. They also have a roving consular service to other paces within Indonesia to make themselves more accessible to Belgian expats and tourists. I have visited the embassies of USA and Australia and was put off by the unfriendly and sometimes-downright hostile reception at those places. Not a very good representation for their countries. Perhaps the big ones could take a look at the playbook of smaller countries, make themselves more approachable and prioritise services to their own citizens abroad.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It's fascinating to hear that Belgium seems to have the embassy vibe right, at least more so than other countries. Love your suggestion about bigger countries looking at the smaller underdog nations' success too.
Embassies could better reflect the culture and values of their nations by emphasizing cultural exchange and dialogue, rather than just functioning as administrative hubs. They should serve as cultural ambassadors, hosting events like exhibitions, workshops, and lectures that highlight their nation’s history, art, and modern societal values. For example, Spain’s embassies could showcase not just flamenco and tapas but also its commitment to renewable energy and its role in the EU—well, “commitment.” That’s debatable, but a healthy debate is kind of the point, right?
To make embassies more valuable, they could offer services beyond consular needs.
These are a few rough ideas:
1. Cultural Education Centers: Offering free or low-cost language and cultural competence classes, helping locals and expats (should I just use the word immigrants?) connect with the culture authentically.
2. Community Hubs: Providing spaces for expatriates and locals to network, exchange ideas, and collaborate on projects that reflect shared values like sustainability, inclusion, or innovation.
3. Career and Wellness Support: As someone navigating self-employment and international life, I’d also value embassies offering guidance on global work opportunities or mental health resources tailored to expatriates. There’s a lot more research to be done on third-culture kids and people who feel spread across cultures.
By becoming centers of cultural diplomacy and community building, embassies could move beyond bureaucracy to embody the soul of the nations they represent, fostering a sense of belonging and global connection.
Well! This was a fabulous piece of writing and I'm very glad I read it. It was insightful, forward-thinking and creative. Thank you very much for sharing your vision and pointing out the current anachronistic role of embassies for both their citizens and local community.
So kind! I'm glad you enjoyed the piece and appreciate the lovely note ❤️
Awesome idea.
Perhaps we can work towards replacing our official passports with alternatives that are recognized globally, without the geopolitical baggage...
brb building a country on the internet 🙃🌐✌️ https://lraz.io/minimum-viable-state/
I think IKEA is a great Swedish embassy.
Strongly agree. I actually have a page of notes on this very concept in my second brain 😂
Gotta love those second brains!
Great Substack !!!