White on Diplomacy

In its chapter, White reveals diplomacy in several different aspects, depending on its user and usage. For example, diplomacy in general, could be applied to cooperation and interaction, engaged in dialogue and negotiation. It is an attempt to create stability and order within a global system. In this respect, diplomacy could be separated into two parts: micro or “local” diplomacy which relates to the state as a single unit and macro or “global” diplomacy which concerns relations and negotiation on a world scheme. In addition, White sees diplomacy as a means through which “all actors have goals or ends towards which their foreign policy is directed”.
When it comes to the detailed view of diplomacy, White interprets it in several directions. He starts with diplomacy in its traditional meaning where it is organized on a bilateral basis and undertaken in secrecy. In traditional diplomacy, mutual agreement is the only means of achieving a settlement of any disputes. It reaches its most developed form in 19th century.
The next form of diplomacy is presented by the new diplomacy where states still remain the major actors , but are no longer the only ones. It is more open to public, no secretive, in which every state is involved. It is also called congress diplomacy or multilateral diplomacy.
The next shade of diplomacy is regarded in terms of the Cold War diplomacy. What makes it distinct is the emergence of nuclear weapons and their proliferation. This sets the beginning of a new stage of globalization and world relations. Military power is not so stressed on, the negotiations between countries adopt a different nature, because of the new power and the fear that human lives could be taken away with much less efforts. As a result, White examines the next stage of diplomacy which is the diplomacy after the Cold War. With it comes the change in foreign policy of the states and their politics.
In diplomacy, White applies “policy instruments” which consist in a few aspects. The first one starts with the fact that military force could be threatened or deployed to give “muscle” to a negotiation. This has been followed by the usage of trade specifically after the WWII to influence the outcome of negotiations. Last but not least, White mentions the technique of subversion, which could use means of propaganda, intelligence activities, and assisting rebel groups. A good example is the period of the WWII and the way the American role was presented. It was associated with “heroism” while Nazi and Japanese actions were compared with evil and atrocities. In addition, the government’s propaganda agency pressured the movie makers to change scripts and even scrap pictures.
On the whole, White examines the development of diplomacy in different historical stages and thus gives a grasp of its detailed meaning, according to user and usage.