My Understanding of Diplomacy Today


Today I have a better understanding of diplomacy compared to the beginning of the course.
Diplomacy is still crucial at international relations to resolve differences or disputes in peaceful way between states; whether at bilateral or multilateral levels. Every state in the world has diplomatic representations in different capitals of the world not only to represent the interests of the states they represent, but also, to lobby and lern more about the host state's policies and interests. And due to the globalize world we leave in today, migration of people to different countries make consulates very important tool to support its citizens in the host state.

Officially, New Diplomacy has emerged after the World War I, when world leaders identified Traditional Diplomacy as the cause for wars in Europe. Thereafter, through the sixteen points of President Woodrow Wilson, multilateral diplomacy was seen as an option to avoid future wars. However, for various reasons, the new diplomacy did not prevent the World War II.

In the European Union for example, Traditional Diplomacy and New Diplomacy work in parallel with each other if you consider the fact that all member states are represented in the European Commission but at the same time they have bilateral Ambassadors. The first, works on common European issues and the second at bilateral level.

Traditional Diplomacy still crucial in finding peaceful solutions in crisis as it uses back channels in order to find a compromise between the sides. Back channel diplomacy has proved to be effective at the Cuban Nuclear Crisis and Cienfuegos Submarine Crisis in which both crisis, were concluded on peaceful means; thanks to Henry Kissinger’s secrecy diplomacy.

With the development of new technology, diplomats no longer monopolise the flowing of information as the world connectedness diminished their role. However, Diplomats have to negotiate face to face with their counterparts to persuade others of their country’s policies and areas of interest.

Although New diplomacy is more open and inclusive with non atate actors playing crucil role not only on technical expertise, but also the hability to mobilize citizens around the world to campaign on environmental, peace, fundrising for humanitarian aid, and above all they are capable of influencing some policies. But the only who can sighn trities are states.