traditional diplomacy: what are your impressions of the "old" diplomacy?

What are your impressions of the old diplomacy? Has it become outmoded?

The ‘old’ diplomacy is recognised primarily as relations between sovereign nation-states. The structure of the old diplomacy along with the diplomatic agenda has demonstrated that both fell short in range. First relations between states were done on a bilateral basis, and as B.White also points out the diplomatic agenda was extremely narrow, focusing on issues of war and peace, and also on other possible imperialistic goals, led by state leaders. For these factors Diplomacy today has shifted considerably from the traditional method to what is now referred to the ‘new diplomacy’.

The continuous technological and communications development, which are considered to be elements of globalisation, can suppose that it is a major contribution to the changes of the ‘old’ diplomacy. The impact of globalisation has forced or allowed states to become more dependable on each other, which has led to the increasing share of the international system by a larger extension of the state system as well as the inclusion of new diplomatic players, referred to as ‘non state’ actors, such as the INGO the Greenpeace.

One significant element of the traditional diplomacy which still remains is the process of bilateralism among nation states. Although multilateralism is a significant feature of modern diplomacy, two party basis system still takes place depending on the issues concerning. The institutionalisation and professionalization of diplomacy is still also prominent in its nature.

One characteristic of traditional diplomacy which no longer applies is the narrow agenda and concern of a state’s leader. Today issues concerning leaders have been incorporated with issues which are considered to be ‘high’ politics (military security) and ‘low’ politics (social welfare) issues. The secrecy of diplomacy which was an important practice, even now is at present although diplomatic agreements have been allowed to become more open to the public.

Finally, the idea of diplomacy, which lies in the key assumption of achieving one’s goals through the act of negotiation, in order to prevent conflict, still remains the key principle of diplomacy.