Carne Ross:
From Insider to Advocate for Change
Former British diplomat, now dedicated to opening diplomacy - and government to those most affected through tailored
strategy and mass political change
About Carne Ross
I am a former British diplomat who resigned over the Iraq War.

After leaving government, I founded Independent Diplomat (ID) - the world’s first non-profit diplomatic advisory group. My work is dedicated to challenging traditional diplomacy, helping political movements, democratic organizations, and marginalized communities engage in global decision-making.
Key Areas of My Work:
- Opening diplomacy to those most affected
- Political change: strategising and advocating for bottom-up democracy across the world
- Negotiation - helping marginalised groups access and negotiate effectively in international discussions and organisations such as the UN
My story:Â A Diplomat Who Walked Away
I was a British diplomat for 16 years, working on multiple issues from climate to terrorism and the Middle East. I was the British Middle East (especially Iraq) expert at the UN Security Council before the 2003 invasion.

In 2004, I secretly testified about the government's lies about WMD and rejection of alternatives to war to the first official inquiry into the war. I resigned from the Foreign Office at the same time. The publication of my testimony led to calls for the full inquiry into the war, to which I also testified.
I then founded the world's first non-profit diplomatic advisory group, Independent Diplomat, which works with democratic countries and political movements around the world, on issues ranging from conflict to climate, refugee policy and self-determination.

My intellectual journey has been one of belief in the state and 'liberal' democracy to a realisation that our current crises need more fundamental reform, including bottom-up self-government, shared ownership and mutual aid, what some call anarchism.
There’s a documentary feature film about me and my ideas called, “Accidental Anarchist”. ʼAnd this recent TEDx talk is more about why I believe in anarchism.
Mission: Redefining Diplomacy AND POLITICAL ACTION for a Just World
My mission is to bring those most affected to the centre of decision making about their lives and future, whether in diplomacy or self-government.
Empower democratic movements
Supporting communities in securing their political and human rights.
Promote transparency
Supporting communities in securing their political and human rights.
Redefine diplomacy
Helping marginalized groups engage in international negotiations.
Support climate justice
Advocating for policies that protect vulnerable nations.
Why Work With Me?
I offer an independent approach to diplomacy, focused on transparency, practical solutions, and amplifying marginalized voices.
35 years of diplomatic experience
first for the UK then as founder of the unique advisory group, Independent Diplomat www.independentdiplomat.org, which has worked with dozens of countries and political movements worldwide
Proven Impact
I have advised scores of democratic countries and political movements, often in extraordinary and difficult moments of war or self-determination.
Truly Independent Thinking
An iconoclast both inside and now outside government, I've always trodden my own path through the jungle.
Innovative Strategies
My work addresses exclusion - from diplomatic decision-making and our own supposedly 'democratic' governments
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Subscribe NowTestimonials
[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
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
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