Discover
the Hidden Forces Shaping Our World
Gain unparalleled insights into the systems and ideas which drive global events. Find courses to master diplomacy, international relations and negotiation technique. Learn innovative analytical tools, from systems thinking to semiotics and many more, from diplomat, strategist, writer and thinker, Carne Ross.
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Carne Ross
Carne Ross has had a unique journey: an insider turned whistleblower and critic. A former senior British diplomat, he resigned over the 2003 Iraq War. He then founded the world's first non-profit diplomatic advisory group, Independent Diplomat (ID), which advises democratic countries, political groups and liberation movements around the world.Â
Today, he continues that work, but also writes and broadcasts video about the deeper structures, ideas and forces that make up the system, providing insight and tools on how to change the system. His books and articles cover the deficits of diplomacy, our current crises and the relevance of anarchism to address them.
Carne's innovations have helped change diplomacy and today he uses his unique experience to interpret and explain the world. Here is where to learn about his insights and tools.
Learn moreCritical thinking on world affairs
Stay informed with insights on global topics, from the geopolitics, the Middle East, post-capitalism and what we can do about the 'polycrisis'.
Follow me on YouTube for deep dives and essays
on TikTok for shorter, more frequent bites
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
online COURSES (coming soon)
Learn about diplomacy, negotiation, and how to think critically. Explore these online courses.
HOW TO THINK CRITICALLY
How to think critically about the world. Learn how to uncover the deeper structures. Peel away the bullshit and bias and see things as they really are. Take nothing for granted. Learn how.
EFFECTIVE DIPLOMACY
I've advised scores of prime ministers, foreign ministers and ministries and frontline diplomats on how to 'do' effective diplomacy. This course is useful for anyone who needs to communicate and negotiate what they need.
my Books
Independent Diplomat
“[Ross] exposes the absurdity, the ignorance and indifference of international bureaucracies, quietly and with clear-sighted accuracy. His prose is ironic, measured and elegant. The integrity, the nuance of his account and his self-awareness make him impressive not just as a writer but as a person.“
Rory Stewart
An extraordinary first-hand account of diplomacy from the frontlines, the deficits of the practice and how to put them right.
The Leaderless Revolution
’So bold, so full of incontestable truths and overwhelming convictions, that it should be read by every diplomat, politician and thinking citizen with the courage 
to pick it up’
John le Carré
A remarkable and original book about bottom-up political change and self-government, what some call anarchism
The Future is Anarchy
Publication Autumn 2025
"I agree with every word Carne says. Let's get this shit done!"
Alexei Sayle
Why we are heading for chaotic anarchy but an alternative 'gentle' anarchy of self-government and mutual aid might, just might offer a solution to our mounting crises of democracy, neo-fascism and climate disaster.
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Testimonials
I agree with every word Carne says. Let's get this shit done!
Alexei Sayle
Carne Ross reminds us that although we are controlled by a few people who will do anything to protect their interests, they can be made irrelevant if we just have confidence in ourselves. That’s why I love what he says. He keeps it real.
Benjamin Zephaniah
Uncover the DEEPER STRUCTURES Behind Global Events
Subscribe to my Substack and gain deeper insights into the forces, ideas and systems shaping our world.
Subscribe Nowdocumentary: "accidental anarchist"
The BBC broadcast a documentary film about my life and ideas in 2016. You can see it here.Â
Please also subscribe to my YouTube channel for recent videos offering deeper insights into the forces, ideas and systems shaping our world. Â
Published Insights
Carne's articles have been published in innumerable media outlets worldwide, including the New York Times, Financial Times and Guardian. Here are three examples.
Power to the people
Anarchy is Love
How to make a state: lessons in self-determination
Get in Touch, Stay in Touch
Have questions or need advice?
Please email me at [email protected]Â
And please sign up here for infrequent and not-annoying updates on news, courses, videos etc.
