A personal and insightful call to action and a much-needed book about one of the most important bilateral relationships in the world—the relationship between Canada and the US—and why diplomacy matters now more than ever before.
All over the world, diplomacy is under threat. Diplomats used to handle sensitive international negotiations, but increasingly, incendiary Tweets and bombastic public statements are posing a threat to foreign relations.
In The Art of Diplomacy, the former US ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, and his partner, Vicki Heyman, spell out why diplomacy and diplomats matter, especially in today’s turbulent times. This dynamic power couple arrived in Canada intent on representing American interests, but they quickly learned that to do so meant representing the shared interests of all citizens—no matter what side of the 49th parallel they happened to live on.
Bruce and Vicki narrate their three years in Canada spent journeying across the country and meeting Canadians from all walks of life—including Supreme Court justices, prime ministers, fishermen, farmers, artists, and entrepreneurs. They tell the behind-the-scenes stories of how their team helped bring Obama to Canada and Trudeau to the US. They also reveal the importance of creating cultural and artistic exchange between Canada and the US, of promoting economic and trade interests, and overall, of making a lasting positive impact on one of the most important relationships in the free world today.
This politically poignant and heartfelt memoir is a call to action, a reminder that only by working together to protect our shared values—the environment, social justice and human rights—can nations build a better world for all. As their long-time friend and colleague President Obama once said, “The world needs more Canada.” At this key moment in history, when opposing nationalist and populist agendas threaten to divide us, The Art of Diplomacy reminds us to keep calm, to work together and to carry on.
“A very original and interesting read about partnership and the important relationship between Canada and the U.S. The Heymans model what it means to be progressive in politics."
“In this insightful and heartfelt recollection of their years in Canada, Bruce and Vicki Heyman give us a behind-the-scenes look at what diplomacy is really about: relationships. In these tumultuous times, The Art of Diplomacy is testament to the importance of listening to and learning from our allies.”
“The Heymans blew into Ottawa in 2014 in a gust of spring Obama wind and left in the winter of 2017, as the chills of a new era were settling in. Their takes on diplomacy and the ties and tensions between Canada and the U.S. are as entertaining as they are informative.”
“With their warmth and openness, Bruce and Vicki Heyman laid their path for diplomacy. As you read this book, you will also get to know Bruce and Vicki, and realize that their true belief in tact and diplomacy deserves emulation.”
