Dr. Antony David Stokes LVO OBE has served as a British representative across the globe, including postings in Havana, Hanoi, and Bangkok. His career began with an engineering degree from Queens’ College, Cambridge, followed by a PhD from University College London in 1990, and entry into Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service in 1994.
An Unconventional Path to Diplomacy
Stokes’ early diplomatic postings included Bangkok, Seoul, and Riga, eventually leading to his appointment as Head of Mission to Latvia. He later served as British Ambassador to Vietnam from 2010 to 2014, and then as British Ambassador to Cuba until 2022. Currently, he works as a diplomacy consultant for Ambassador At Large and shares his insights with over 50,000 followers on LinkedIn.
Surprisingly, Stokes’ path wasn’t always focused on international affairs. While at Cambridge, his activities didn’t directly relate to politics or diplomacy. He too contributed to function at the Natural Astronomy Museum.
After completing his PhD, Stokes sought practical experience, working at both Mars, Incorporated, in commercial management and human resources, and as a consultant for the Centre of the Exploitation of Science and Technology. He felt it was important to understand how to “run things” and engage with the corporate world.
A Late Entry into the Foreign Office
Stokes joined the Foreign Office at the age of 30, a somewhat unconventional entry point. He described his application as “speculative,” driven by curiosity rather than a lifelong ambition to be a diplomat. The application process, he noted, focused more on communication and organizational skills than on pre-existing knowledge of foreign policy. He recalled being asked about the United Nations at the final selection board, despite having no prior knowledge of the subject.
He successfully negotiated a higher starting salary and a more senior position than typically offered to new recruits, stating his desire to avoid a graduate-level role given his prior professional experience.
Bridging the Gap Through Social Media
Stokes has become increasingly involved in public outreach through social media, particularly LinkedIn. He began writing posts to address a perceived lack of understanding about the role of an ambassador, and found a significant audience for his insights. He now publishes weekly on Substack through The Gazette, aiming to demystify the world of diplomacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dr. Stokes study at Cambridge?
Dr. Stokes studied Engineering at Queens’ College, Cambridge.
Where did Dr. Stokes work after completing his PhD?
Dr. Stokes worked at Mars, Incorporated, and as a consultant for the Centre of the Exploitation of Science and Technology.
When did Dr. Stokes join the Foreign Office?
Dr. Stokes joined Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service in 1994.
As Dr. Stokes’ career demonstrates, what role might increased public engagement play in shaping perceptions of modern diplomacy?