I once had a friend who spent a lifetime attending diplomatic receptions, mostly in the developing world where the attendance of a U.S. official meant something.

Early on in her career, she was listed as a third secretary. That is not high on the totem pole. Yet when she would attend receptions in this particular Middle Eastern state, she was treated like royalty. Numerous ambassadors would talk to her. Host nation officials would make sure she always had a drink in hand and was fully fed. A two-hour reception entailed meeting with fellow diplomats, members of the press corps, and private-sector officials. Why was the U.S. presence so important for the host of such events?