Since relationships between countries can hinge on the ability for one country to have access to another’s, or at least to a person who represents that country and may have full powers or plenipotentiary status, many countries have embassies in foreign countries. At the embassy of a foreign country, you will find at least one person who is titled as an ambassador, and stands as representative of their country. Should problems or concerns arise between the two countries, the ambassador acts as representative and meets with heads of state to try to resolve problems or make clear his/her country’s stance on a particular issue.

In earlier times, the more common term for a foreign representative was minister. Now the term minister may be applied to ambassadors who do not have full powers and are considered second rank. In other words, a minister may work for a plenipotentiary ambassador, and may be in charge of one or more departments at an embassy.

Another term associated with ambassador is resident. A resident ambassador not only acts as representative of a country in a foreign country, but also resides in that country, usually at or near the embassy. The title of ambassador is one that commands respect, and people employed as ambassadors may be referred to as Mr./ Mrs. Ambassador, or Your Excellency.

In the US, people who work as ambassadors are frequently appointed by the head of state (president) and the appointment is not without risks. In countries with unstable political environments, or those countries with significant hostility towards the US, some ambassadors have been assassinated, kidnapped or held hostage. Though this is not common, the job implies a certain amount of danger, as does any high level political position.

As representative of another country, one of the ambassador’s main goals is to promote diplomatic relationships between two countries. When this diplomat is authorized to act for the state, he or she may also be able to broker treaties, trade deals, or cease fires with foreign authorities. Even though this diplomat may have full powers and be considered plenipotentiary, he or she is usually instructed by his or her head of state as to what terms in treaties or deals will be acceptable, and may still need to seek approval from his or her head of state before any deals between two or more countries are cemented.

In addition to political ambassadors, there are a number of people who may represent a country for private nonprofit organizations, like the World Health Organization. A head of state may not make these appointments, and the person appointed may be called a good will ambassador. Such an appointment does not give this type of diplomatic agent any special powers, but it may give them an opportunity to address their own heads of states, make reports, or make recommendations based on their work for a charitable or nonprofit agency. It can also further the cause of representing a country as compassionate toward other countries. A number of high profile actors and actresses have been good will ambassadors to organizations or foreign countries.