Matthew Robert, as an American diplomat, usually doesn't pay much attention to his official duties...
His main task is actually to approach various political and business figures around the world as required, making it easier for certain large corporations to cooperate with these people.
Generally, these collaborations are to help giant companies dump certain products into target countries or buy stakes in promising companies in those countries.
Occasionally, when dealing with a particularly tough government, Matthew Robert might try to fund some opposition parties, applying political pressure on those in power. If the rulers compromise, all is well; if they don't, that country may plunge into political turmoil.
What Europe and America once defined as opposition actually existed as 'supervisors'.
But over time, these 'opposition' failures needed substantial funding to maintain their parties and supporter groups to sustain their interests.
