Jeremy J. R. Dommnich stands at the crossroads of diplomacy, negotiation, and cultural integration, bringing years of expertise to the forefront of his mission. As an expert in international negotiations and CEO of Nvoye, he has trained and coached high-ranking diplomats and public officials from over 120 countries at the Clingendael Institute. His experience spans working with opposition groups, mediators, and stakeholders in armed conflict settings worldwide. He has also worked at the European External Action Service in Brussels and held diplomatic roles in Berlin, New York, and La Paz. At Nvoye, Jeremy dedicates himself to supporting diplomats in their integration process and fostering connections.
DM: Mr. Dommnich, you emphasize the concept of “fluidity” in diplomacy. Could you elaborate? Working in a bureaucratic organization like a ministry seems the opposite of fluid.
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: That is the irony of the profession. If someone studies law, they often become a lawyer. A journalism graduate may become a journalist. But studying diplomacy does not clearly define what a diplomat actually does. The strong structure of a ministry contrasts sharply with the uncertainty and fluidity of a diplomat’s professional life.
Diplomatic roles are not rigidly defined; they require constant adaptation to varying contexts and demands. Diplomats must seamlessly transition between vastly different topics—trade relations, security policies, climate issues—sometimes rendering previously acquired expertise temporarily irrelevant. The profession demands not only subject-matter adaptability but also the acquisition of new hard and soft skills. Social media literacy, data analysis, project management, and networking have become as essential as traditional diplomatic skills like negotiation, advocacy, and crisis management.
This fluidity means diplomats must constantly shift professional identities: one moment they are a spokesperson, the next a negotiator, cultural ambassador, or security coordinator. Some embrace this diversity; others find it overwhelming, as they must continually acquire new knowledge and competencies.
DM: So being a diplomat is an evolving role that encompasses multiple disciplines. What about representation? That is the essence of diplomacy, isn’t it?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: Absolutely. Representation is one of the most defining aspects of a diplomat’s life, both professionally and personally. It comes with immense responsibility and constant scrutiny.
Sitting behind their country’s flag for the first time, a diplomat feels the weight of speaking on behalf of millions. However, in times of political polarization, diplomats often find themselves defending policies or positions that may conflict with their personal values. This tension—between private beliefs and professional obligations—is a recurring challenge in diplomatic life.
Moreover, representation extends beyond formal settings. A diplomat’s actions in private life—even something as simple as driving with diplomatic plates or attending social events—carry implications. Over time, this continuous scrutiny, coupled with the experience of living abroad for extended periods, can impact personal identity. As German sociologist Georg Simmel observed, “For the perfection of his art, the diplomat is called upon to refrain from being his true self.” This is perhaps the most profound cost of diplomacy: becoming a stranger to oneself.
And this is not even considering the impact on families, particularly children. More than 50% of third-culture children report experiencing emotional neglect due to the demands of diplomatic life.
DM: Is that emotional toll primarily due to the pressures of representation, or does frequent relocation play a larger role?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: It’s a combination of both. Diplomacy is more than a profession; it’s a lifestyle that operates 24/7, often for a lifetime. Moving between countries is integral to a diplomat’s career. While many are drawn to this nomadic lifestyle, it also presents challenges, particularly in cultural adaptation, professional reorientation, and identity shifts for diplomats and their families.
Surprisingly, diplomats across the board report a lack of institutional support from their employers when navigating these transitions—whether moving to a new post or returning home. This is one of the reasons I founded Nvoye: to provide diplomats with the support they need to integrate into new environments and build meaningful connections.
DM: It’s reassuring to hear that such support exists. What advice would you offer to diplomats currently in the field?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: One of the most crucial reflections a diplomat can have is an honest self-assessment: Why am I a diplomat? In my research at the International Psychoanalytic University, I identified four distinct types of diplomats, each with unique challenges and opportunities for professional growth:
- The Life Adventurer – drawn to the global mobility and excitement of diplomatic life.
- The Content Specialist – focused on expertise in a particular field, such as trade or security.
- The Family Lead – balancing professional duties with family stability and well-being.
- The Homo Politicus – motivated by political engagement and national service.
Understanding one’s intrinsic motivation helps diplomats proactively address career challenges and plan for long-term success. Diplomats serve their nations with their lives. If foreign ministries are the primary institutions for advancing national interests abroad, then diplomats are their most vital instruments. Countries should ensure these professionals are well-equipped, both institutionally and personally. Recognizing that diplomacy extends beyond cocktail receptions is in the interest of the public, the government, and the envoys themselves.
DM: How do you see these challenges evolving in the future?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: In an increasingly interconnected world, diplomats will play an even more vital role in de-escalating conflicts, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and strengthening international cooperation.
Technological advancements and artificial intelligence will continue to reshape diplomacy, but human interaction remains irreplaceable. Diplomats must function as conduits for authentic human experiences, ensuring that personal connections remain at the heart of international relations. To fulfill this role, they must stay emotionally resilient, socially engaged, and physically well.
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich holds a BA in European Studies from The Hague University of Applied Sciences, an MA in Interdisciplinary Latin American Studies from the Free University in Berlin, and an MA in Leadership and Consulting. He is an accredited coach (IPU) and supervisor (DGSV).
Diplomat Magazine sat down with Jeremy to explore his work at Nvoye, his reflections on the diplomatic profession, and his vision for supporting envoys in navigating a career defined by both privilege and pressure.
DM: Mr. Dommnich, you have trained diplomats from over 120 countries and conducted academic research on the diplomatic profession. What are the key insights you have gained about diplomacy?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: Diplomacy has evolved significantly since the days when envoys were semi-sovereign representatives conveying messages back to their home countries. Today, the concept of diplomacy has expanded beyond traditional foreign ministries. Terms like “private diplomacy,” “cyber diplomacy,” “health diplomacy,” and even “video game diplomacy” illustrate this shift.
This proliferation forces traditional diplomats to rethink their role. Given cultural and historical nuances, each country, ministry, and even individual diplomat has a unique perception of what diplomacy entails.
DM: With such a broad spectrum of roles, what remains constant in defining a diplomat?
Jeremy J. R. Dommnich: While diplomatic roles vary, certain core themes persist: diplomatic immunity, international travel, high-level negotiations, and the formalities of diplomatic attire and receptions. However, my research reveals that beyond these privileges, diplomats share fundamental challenges. Uprooting families, fluctuating social networks, and the relentless pressure to adapt and represent are universal aspects of diplomatic life.
In essence, diplomatic life is shaped by three defining experiences: fluidity, representation, and mobility. Understanding and addressing these elements is crucial for diplomats to thrive in their profession.
