THE CENTENARY of World War I matters to a huge amount of people. It may be because of a personal or family connection, the effects the War had on their hometown, how it changed our wider society or because of their beliefs about war and the importance of peace. We are all linked to this centenary, and throughout 2014 there is a worldwide programme of commemorative events that demonstrate that millions of people want to remember and learn more about its impact. This month, in his capacity as commonwealth War Graves commissioner, the australian high commissioner writes a poetic piece for Diplomat reminding us of the state of the globe 100 years ago and all we have to be grateful for.

2013 saw Germany reacting strongly to revelations that the US government had been spying on angela Merkel’s telephone calls. It’s one thing watching enemies, but quite another bugging known friends. Former UK ambassador charles crawford describes to Diplomat a visit to a government eavesdropping facility many years ago. Governments have always kept a beady ear on what other states are up to. Why not? If governments have one core job, he says, it is to protect their territory and people against foreign mischief. It makes sense to find out the intentions of other governments, foes and friends alike. But what are the consequences?
The decision by the Bangladesh nationalist Party to boycott the national elections earlier in January robbed voters of the opportunity to fully express their will at the ballot box.

So says Bangladesh’s former Foreign Minister and current high commissioner in the UK, Mohamed Mijarul Quayes. In an article for Diplomat, he says the violence that the opposition anarchists have instigated has damaged his country’s reputation and stunted its economic growth.

Former Vice-President for the World Bank’s africa region Obiageli ezekwesili has spoken of a ‘palpable dynamism’ in africa thanks to economic growth and innovation taking place. accordingly, the World Bank believes africa is on the verge of an economic take-off similar to china’s during the early 1980s. economist Moin Siddiqi writes for Diplomat on the changing dynamics of Sub-Saharan africa, home to a dozen of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

Diplomat is thrilled to meet The Queen’s newly-appointed liaison to the heads of Mission
at the court of St James’s the Marshal of the Diplomatic corps, alistair harrison cMG, cVO. he arrives fresh from a posting as Governor to anguilla. as he settles into these chillier climes, we listen to the Marshal’s take on this position introduced by King James I
back in 1603. The Marshal is one of only two people required to walk backwards when leaving the Sovereign’s presence. as always, Diplomat reviews the credentials of new heads of mission to the court of St James’s, this month meeting with the new ambassadors of the republic of Korea and Latvia. We also photographed the ambassador of equatorial Guinea for our Portrait page.

In the lifestyle section, Diplomat travels to Italy, indulging the senses in Florence and the breathtaking views of the amalfi coast. Diplomat enjoys a delicious dinner at Mayfair’s favourite Italian restaurant, Babbo, and stays at the achingly hip new London eDITIOn. readers with a taste for culture will find valuable advice in our book and arts reviews, including details of the BaDa antiques and Fine art Fair in chelsea.