See Also: foreign service(encyclopedia)
Foreign Service, the(dictionary)
LAW, FOREIGN(law)
foreign(dictionary)
foreign aid(encyclopedia)
Foreign(medicine)
Foreign(finance)
foreign(dictionary)
FOREIGN(law)
Own foreign offices(finance)

foreign service (sh)




or diplomatic service

Staff of a state's international-affairs department that represents the state's interests in foreign countries.

It fulfills two functions, diplomatic and consular. The standards for foreign-service jobs are similar in most countries. Before the 20th century, wealth, aristocratic standing, and political connections were the chief requirements for high-ranking diplomatic positions. Political appointees still hold the top positions in many foreign missions, but their subordinates generally must demonstrate their education and intellectual ability through a competitive examination. Foreign-service personnel have special legal rights (e.g., they do not have to pay taxes to their host country). See also ambassador.