attachée

Attachée is a term used in diplomacy to designate a staff member assigned to a diplomatic mission who specializes in a particular field and assists in carrying out the mission’s work. In English-language usage, attaché is the masculine form, attachée is the feminine form, and the plural is attachés or attachées, depending on gender.

Etymology and scope: The word derives from French, from attacher “to attach,” reflecting the historical idea of a person being attached to a mission. Attachés are common in embassies, consulates, and permanent missions to international organizations, where they serve alongside ambassadors and other senior diplomats.

Roles and specialization: Attachés are usually field specialists rather than generalists. Common categories include cultural attaché, economic or commercial attaché, political attaché, military or defense attaché, and press or public diplomacy attaché. Their duties typically include monitoring developments relevant to their field in the host country, preparing analytical reports for the mission, advising the ambassador or head of mission, and assisting in the organization of programs, exchanges, or cultural activities. They may also liaise with host government agencies, industry groups, cultural institutions, or media outlets to support policy goals and bilateral relations.

Rank and appointment: The status, rank, and authority of attachés vary by country. They are generally career diplomats or professional staff appointed by the sending state and serve under the structure of the diplomatic mission. The term remains a standard element of modern diplomacy across many nations.

See also: Diplomatic mission, embassy, cultural attaché, military attaché, economic attaché.