A few months ago, President Donald Trump mentioned Lesotho in a speech to Congress, calling it "a country nobody has ever heard of." This comment caught my attention because I have a connection to Lesotho, even if it’s not through travel. I’ve visited its embassy in Washington, D.C., along with many others representing countries that often go unnoticed, like Azerbaijan and Gabon. For those in the D.C. area, there’s an event called Embassy Day every May, where people can explore these embassies and learn about the wider world.
Embassy Day is a lively celebration. It’s interesting to see how different countries showcase themselves. Generally, the more authoritarian the country, the more extravagant their display. For instance, Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, puts on a grand show with free food, cultural performances, and activities for children, like petting zoos. Last year, they even featured balloons with religious messages, which sparked conversations in the streets.
This year, China took the spotlight. As tensions between the U.S. and China have grown, the Chinese embassy pulled out all the stops. They highlighted their partnerships in various fields like medicine and technology, showcasing their contributions to American society. Visitors were entertained by performers dressed as giant pandas, which delighted many, especially the kids. At the end of the tour, portraits of pandas previously loaned to the National Zoo served as a reminder of the cultural exchange between the two nations.
Some countries, however, take a different approach. While larger nations feel the need to maintain friendly ties with the U.S., smaller nations often prefer to stay under the radar. Azerbaijan, for example, used to be a regular participant in Embassy Day but has since faded from the scene due to political issues, including the treatment of its Armenian population.
Europe also has its own unique relationship with the U.S. The European Union holds its own Embassy Day, separate from the rest of the world. While many Americans admire Europe for its culture and history, there remains a disconnect with its people. Countries like France and Germany even compete in their presentations, which can feel reminiscent of historical conflicts.
The current U.S. administration’s decision to scale back overseas commitments has raised concerns. Many nations still go to great lengths to impress the United States, but there’s a sense that these performances lack sincerity. Despite this, the allure of the spectacle can be hard to resist.
