High Representative

The title High Representative is used by several international bodies to denote a top-level diplomatic figure carrying delegated authority from member states or signatories. The function varies by institution, but the common thread is that the post-holder speaks externally for a collective and coordinates policy implementation internally.

The best-known holder is the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a post created by the Treaty of Lisbon (in force December 2009), which merged the earlier roles of the EU's foreign policy chief and the External Relations Commissioner. The officeholder chairs the Foreign Affairs Council, serves as a Vice-President of the European Commission, and heads the European External Action Service (EEAS).

A separate post, the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, was established under Annex 10 of the 1995 Dayton Peace Agreement to oversee civilian implementation of the accord. Following the 1997 Bonn Conference, the office acquired the so-called Bonn Powers, allowing it to impose legislation and remove officials obstructing implementation.

The UN High Representative for Disarmament Affairs heads UNODA and reports directly to the Secretary-General, while the High Representative for the Alliance of Civilizations leads a UN initiative on intercultural dialogue.

Key features common to most High Representative posts:

• Delegated mandate from a treaty, council, or peace agreement rather than a single state
• Hybrid authority combining representational, coordinating, and sometimes executive functions
• Reporting lines to a council of states or a Secretary-General rather than a national government

For delegates and researchers, the term should always be qualified by the issuing body, because the powers, accountability, and reach differ sharply. Conflating the EU High Representative with the Bosnia post, for example, would misrepresent both the legal basis and the scope of action available.