The Ugly American
In what ways does Ambassador Louis Sears neglect his duties as ambassador in the novel, The Ugly American?
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Asked by
Jill W
Last updated by
Jill W
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Sears is only in Sarkhan for two years while he waits for a vacancy to arise for a federal judgeship. While he is ambassador, Sears completely neglects his duties. He does not bother to learn the Sarkhanese language, nor does he make any attempt to mingle with the Sarkhanese people, so he has little idea of what is really going on in the country. He also spends the majority of his time attending cocktail parties and talking to other diplomats. Sears is presented as an example of all that is wrong with U.S. diplomacy in Southeast Asia.
The Ugly American