The MoUs and the Relationships Between Diplomats and Foreign Leaders

MoU's and their actual worth also was a flavor in the conversation I had with Emeritus Professor Hugh White. He wasn't a big believer that these MoUs buy a lot of influence either. The investment can be made and still not deliver because for an Australian minister to really spend time building a good work in relationship, they're the kind of relationship that generates real influence. And so it puts real pressure on the quality of your foreign service. If you're actually trying to maximise your influence, you'd be much better off spending less money on bridges or governance programs and more money on better quality diplomats.