What are embassies and what are their purpose?
In: 2701
Embassies are diplomatic missions, first and foremost. Historically, an ambassador in a meaningful post was an incredibly important person. Before rapid communications and fast travel around the world, your ambassador would have to negotiate on your country’s behalf.
Embassies and ambassadors (plus their staff, somewhat to a lesser degree) are protected by international treaty. If they weren’t, embassies wouldn’t be possible. This rule is almost universally followed because if it weren’t, it would be bad for everyone. (The exceptions, like the USA bombing a Chinese embassy, are rare.)
These days, the diplomatic element is much less important. Leaders can pick up a phone and call their counterpart, rather than sending messages back and forth over several months. Embassies now primarily deal with supporting citizens in the country and being eyes and ears on the ground.
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