| A state's power is a function of the quality of its diplomacy. Diplomacy is the system of official state-to-state communication. It is practiced primarily by diplomats. It serves as a tool for the implementation of foreign policy. As the transition from "high" to "low" politics takes place, the nature of power is changing. The major industrialized states are being compelled to use "soft" power to realize their national interests. This is true, too, for the United States. In terms of its bilateral diplomatic relationships with other members of the Group of Seven, it can enhance its relative power position through the upgrading of the calibre of individual it sends to serve as U.S. ambassador in each of those six states. The Foreign Service Act of 1980 identifies specific qualifications for nominees for the position of resident ambassador. The Executive and the Senate can use the provisions of that legislation as a standard against which to evaluate the qualifications of ambassadorial nominees. |
