Understanding of Diplomacy Today

My understanding of today’s practice of diplomacy has been greatly deepened and my opinions have changed to a greater extent.
Firstly what has been branded as ‘the new diplomacy’ is not that new but has rather evolved: an evolution, commensurate to the ever speedy dynamics of world politics.

The elements of the ‘old diplomacy’ or ‘traditional diplomacy’ premised on bilateral relations still remains an integral part of the varying facets of today’s global politics. This is apparent in the mutual exchange of sensitive security information between the USA and the UK. A typical example was their relentless pursuit of war against Iraq in 2003 amidst concerns expressed by intergovernmental organisations, non governmental organisations and a large section of the world populace.

Diplomacy has evolved because of the huge presence of non state actors in international politics- a situation very different from the notion of the state once seen as the sole and prime actor in world politics.
These non state actors especially NGOs, have played varying major roles through lobbying, representation and significant players in policy implementation and the influence of state behaviour.
Their global membership and smart use of modern communication technology coupled with a wide base of professionals and specialists makes knowledge diplomacy and indispensable tool buttressing the principles of multilateral relations- new diplomacy.
Typical examples are ‘Plane Stupid’ an NGO against the expansion of Heathrow Airport and Green Peace- campaigning for a safer, greener planet through a massive reduction in carbon emissions.

The conduct of trade diplomacy, through the constant promotion of ‘free trade’ ideals instead of ‘fair trade’ by advanced countries greatly puts developing nations at a disadvantage who lack resources: skilled labour, technical know how and access to the manufacture and exchange of current technology used in this contemporary world of business. (TRIPPS- trade related aspects of intellectual property rights and TRIMS-trade related investment measures) are relevant examples to this concept.

The conduct diplomacy between the ‘East and West’ relations has dramatically improved. President Obama’s visit to Turkey, US-Iranian relations through sports diplomacy and the use of ‘Soft power’ instead of hard power in dealing with the proliferation of nuclear weapons is a great leap in the democratisation of world politics.
I am greatly impressed by the conduct of today’s diplomacy so far.