Career diplomats and political appointees --- Indeed Mohamed. Several countries have been through a reform of their diplomatic service, and career diplomats have become the norm. This has helped to curb favoritism to an extent, but the situation varies. In some countries, it is acceptable (and maybe even valued) that public servants take 'time out' to experience opportunities in the private sector. Sometimes they go back-and-forth throughout their career in a 'revolving door' manner. There are certainly pros and cons. Is this a common practice in your countries?

Source author: Marília Maciel MariliaM@diplomacy.edu