Foreign affairs: the architecture of embassies

The inauguration of the US embassy in Baghdad. Costing upwards of $700m and comprising over twenty buildings – including one “classified structure” – Jonathan Glancey described it as a "monster of a modern fortress" Photograph: Eric Brooks/AFP

Formerly the home of the German embassy in London, Carlton House Terrace was designed by John Nash in what was one of the most fashionable addresses in London, offering the best possible views of St James' Park Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

The Grade I listed buildings now house a number of organisations, including the Royal Society and the ICA Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

The unashamedly modern Royal Danish Embassy in London is located in rarefied Belgravia Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Arne Jacobsen's bold design sits surprisingly well in its elegant surroundings. Small touches, such as the bays mirroring the width of the houses on the street and a mural at ground floor by Danish artist Ole Schwalbe, soften the clash of styles Photograph: Martin Godwin/Guardian

Barack Obama and Gordon Brown at the British embassy in Washington Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters

A view of the British embassy in Washington, showing Queen Elizabeth II arriving at the residence of the British ambassador Photograph: Andrew Harnik/AP

The Netherlands embassy in Addis Ababa, one of several joint winners of the Aga Khan award for architectural excellence. It purposefully echoes the Ethiopian rock churches at Lalibela Photograph: Reuters

Design Engine Architects's new British embassy in Yemen is remarkable for its attempt to balance the need for security with aesthetic considerations. Like the Netherlands embassy in Addis Ababa, it honours local traditions in its design Photograph: Foreign Office