He would increase the euro-zone's diplomatic clout by giving it one strong voice in international economic organisations.

ECONOMIST: Ecofinessed?

In December 2011, he opted for diplomatic isolation by vetoing the euro zone's plan to embed its fiscal pact in the EU treaties rather than risk confrontation with his party's Europhobes in parliament.

WSJ: The EU Waiting Game Is Over For Cameron

In the former Canal Zone, meanwhile, another diplomatic tiff concerned Panama's decision to award a contract to run the ports of Cristobal and Balboa to Hong Kong's Hutchison Whampoa Ltd. in a deal that Ambassdor Hughes said was unfair to American bidders.

CNN: The Canal Cronies