DIPLOMACY:How Diplomacy Functions, Traditional Versus Modern Diplomacy

<< BALANCE OF POWER (CONTINUED):Degree of Polarization, Functions of BoP

DIPLOMACY (CONTINUED):Diplomatic Procedures & Practices, Functions of Diplomacy >>

International Relations-PSC 201

LESSON 10

DIPLOMACY

Definitions of Diplomacy

Diplomacy is the management of IR through negotiations or the method by which these relations are

adjusted or managed. Diplomacy tries to achieve the maximum objectives (national interests) with a

minimum of costs in a system of politics where war remains a possibility.

There are two major forms of diplomacy. The simplest and the oldest is bilateral diplomacy between two

states. Bilateral diplomacy is still common with many treaties between two states, and it is a main concern of

embassies. The other form of diplomacy is multilateral diplomacy involving many states.

Formal multilateral diplomacy is normally dated to the Congress of Vienna in the nineteenth century. Since

then, multilateralism has grown in importance. Today most trade treaties, such as the World Trade

Organization (WTO), arms control agreements, such as the Partial Test Ban Treaty and the Comprehensive

Test Ban Treaty, and environmental agreements, such as the Koyoto Accord, are multilateral. The United

Nations (UN) is the most important institution of multilateral diplomacy.

Diplomacy from a Historical Perspective

The ability to practice diplomacy is one of the defining elements of a state, and diplomacy has been

practiced since the first city states were formed millennia ago (around 5th BC). For the majority of human

history diplomats were sent only for specific negotiations, and would return immediately after their mission

concluded.

Diplomats were usually relatives of the ruling family or of very high rank in order to give them legitimacy

when they sought to negotiate with the other state. Envoys eventually became negotiators rather than being

just messengers. During the Middle Ages (6th to 18th century), the scope of diplomacy did not grow much

and diplomats were mostly confined to maintaining archives rather than negotiating them.

In the late middle ages, in Genoa, the Duke of Milan established the first foreign mission. But this was still

diplomacy of the court rather than that of the people.

After the American and French revolutions, diplomacy became more democratic and less aristocratic. The

Congress of Vienna (1815) laid down procedures for diplomatic immunities and defined diplomatic

hierarchies.

How Diplomacy Functions

Diplomacy functions through a network of foreign officers, embassies, consulates, and special missions

operating around the globe. Diplomacy is bilateral in character but as a result of growing international and

regional organizations, it is becoming increasingly multilateral in character.

Diplomacy & Foreign Policy: What's the Difference?

Diplomacy is the method and process by which foreign policy is pursued but it is not a policy onto itself.

Outcome of diplomatic negotiations can effect foreign policy options.

Traditional Versus Modern Diplomacy

Traditional diplomacy assumed that major European powers had special responsibility for maintaining

world peace and the colonies had no more significant diplomatic role than that of satellites. Traditional

diplomacy was professional but secretive and relied on a limited cadre rather than extended diplomatic

channels.

Modern diplomacy is more open and democratic; it requires reciprocal bargains and compromises so it is

not possible for diplomats to spell out a given stance in advance.

Multilateralism is increasingly evident in the practice of modern diplomacy. It includes conference or

summit diplomacy, with behind the scenes preparations by diplomatic officials.

Relevant Vocabulary

Globe: the world

International Relations-PSC 201

Cadre: particular or specific segment

Outcome: result

Reciprocal: mutual or based on a give and take arrangement:

Summit: meeting involving heads of state (Presidents or Prime Ministers)

Suggested Readings

Students are advised to read the following chapters to develop a better understanding of the various

principals highlighted in this hand-out:

Chapter 4 in `"A Study of International Relations" by Dr. Sultan Khan.

Internet Resources

In addition to reading from the textbook, please visit the following web-pages for this lecture, which

provide useful and interesting information:

Diplomacy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diplomacy

Table of Contents: