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Concept and Definition
Oxford dictionary: the management of international relations by
negotiation
Sir Earnest Satow: the application of intelligence and tact to the
conduct of official relations between the government of
independent states
Melissen: the mechanism of representation, communication and
negotiation through which states and other international actors
conduct their business.
de Magalhes: Diplomacy is an instrument of foreign policy for
the establishment and development of peaceful contacts
between the government of different states through the use of
intermediaries mutually recognized by respective parties
Function of Diplomats
According to Palmer and Perkins, 4 functions
1. Representation
2. Negotiation
3. Reporting
4. Protection of national interests and citizens
Functions of Diplomats
1. Representation: A diplomat is formal representative of sending
state in receiving state.
Act as agent between his foreign office and receiving state
Must keep good social relations and contact with government
officials, influential people, organizations, other fellow diplomats
from other countries etc.
Give visa to people desirous of visiting his state
2. Negotiation: Diplomats are good negotiator
negotiation on various types of social, economic, political and
cultural issues and problems
Involve in bilateral, multilateral arrangements, protocols, treaties
etc.
Functions of Diplomats
3. Reporting: Diplomats are also good reporter
Keep an eye on all developments in host country from minute to
large scale
E.g. Political issues, legislative functions, market condition,
public opinion, labor problems, natural resources, media
coverage etc.
Observe, analyze and then report to his respective government
The reports help the sending state to adjust its foreign policies
accordingly
4. Protection of national interests and citizens
Protection and promotion of his state interests through friendly
relations with all important stakeholders and political circles
Protect his nationals and provide them all legal and other kind of
assistance when confronted with problem
Types of Diplomacy
Two categories
Traditional
Modern
Traditional Diplomacy
Started after peace of Westphalia 1648 as NSS emerged
Continued till end of 19th century mostly in Europe
Declined due to development in communication technology,
development of socio-economic and political institutions
Features of Traditional Diplomacy
1. Was confined to Europe and to a few big European powers
2. England, France, Austria-Hungary, Prussia, Spain. The
countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America were mostly colonies
and USA was following a policy of isolation.
3. The traditional diplomacy did not include the small states as
they were treated like pawn in a chess game. While, the major
powers have a greater responsibility for ensuring world peace.
4. Diplomatic service was taken as a profession and specific
training and standards were developed for diplomatic officials.
The diplomats were regarded important for world peace.
5. It was secret. The public would not know about negotiations.
settlement and moment of threats. The diplomats would
conduct negotiations secretly with greater freedom and then
convey the decision to their governments.
The New Diplomacy
Started in the beginning of 20th century because :
Traditional diplomacy was conducted when the states were ruled
by monarchs/princes. The power was with the ruler and people
had no say in international affairs. The ruler would pursue
diplomatic relations for royal benefit and interests.
By the end of 19th century, the popular governments gained
strength in Europe and the people were interested and
concerned in foreign affairs.
The focus shifted from royal interest to peoples interest.
Diplomacy became open and people were taken into confidence
on various matters to get popular support
The advancement in communication technologies (aero planes,
telephone, telegraphs) reduced the role of diplomatic freedom
and made them dependent on their foreign office for guidance.
Diplomats become Dignified Clerks
http://www.lepoint.fr/livres/quai-d-orsay-des-diplomates-en-folie-06-12-2011-1404378_37.php
Features of New Diplomacy
1. Greater Openness
2. Multilateral Diplomacy
3. Personal or Summit Diplomacy
Features of New Diplomacy
1. Greater Openness
No more secret treaties, pacts, negotiations because it gives rise
to suspicion and fear of conflict
Foreign policy and negotiations is open
Supported by President Wilson of US
The League of Nations and UN Charter also supported this
Every treaty and international agreement must be registered
with UN secretariat and will be published
2. Multilateral Diplomacy
Besides bilateral agreements, multi-lateral diplomacy is
introduced
Peace of Westphalia (1648) was also multilateral.
Features of New Diplomacy cont.
Due to advancement of technology and growing international
interaction, problems have assumed international character
Thus different states conduct multilateral negotiations and
diplomatic conferences to deal with issues of mutual interests
such as regional peace, trade, environment, education etc.
The UN also help in arranging multilateral negotiations through
conferences and seminars
http://www.democracyarsenal.org/2009/09/g20-g8-gx-options-for-future-summit-diplomacy.html
Summit Diplomacy cont
Dramatic breakthroughs can be made be leaders themselves
Mutual confidences/friendships may develop among leaders and
lessening of tension e.g. PM of India and Pakistan and exchange
of gifts for families
Comparison of Old and New diplomacy
OLD Diplomacy New Diplomacy
Limited to European countries and politics Extends to all countries of the world
Included only few major European powers Include all countries small or big
The major powers were responsible for All states are responsible for world peace
world peace
Diplomats belong to aristocratic class Diplomats belong to all section of society
having similar status and education. (civil servants appointed through tests)
Diplomacy was secret Diplomacy is open
Diplomats enjoyed more freedom in Diplomats are dignified clerks and work
negotiation under continuous instruction and guidance
from foreign office
The Rules of Effective Diplomacy
1. Be realistic in negotiation and making commitment
2. Be careful in what you say and give away
3. Understand the importance of language and words and their
implications
4. Seek common ground and identical interests
5. Be flexible
6. Listen carefully and understand the other side
7. Be patient in listening and acting
8. Leave avenues of retreat open and dont push yourself to
closed end
23
Options for Conducting Diplomacy
24
Conclusion
Avoid the weakness of each of them and combining the positive
The task of negotiations be given to diplomatic officials
These talks be kept secret
One agreement is reached, then it shall be declared open and
publicized
The summit diplomacy will then strengthen the agreement
reached and ensure its observance
Diplomatic Immunities
Diplomats are given certain privileges and immunities. They are:
The premises of diplomatic missions, offices, house, vehicle is
immune from police search
The diplomat can not be arrested or detained for any civil or
criminal violation by the receiving state.
The diplomat can not be sue by receiving state in any court of
law. Only his home country can sue him/her.
Immunity from taxation under municipal law, income tax, custom
duty on goods imported for office and personal use.
Can use his country flag on his office, car and residence
Can move freely in the receiving country subject to security
threats and traffic rules.
Diplomatic Immunities
The immunities available to diplomats can be waived by sending
state through an expressed statements if involved in an act
The receiving state can also request the sending state to waive
the immunities because of some serious violation of law.
Termination of diplomatic missions
Diplomatic missions are terminated because of:
1. Expiry of the duration of the diplomatic mission
2. Recall notice by the sending state
3. Declaring persona non-grata by the receiving state
4. Change or death of the head of receiving or sending state
5. Declaration of war between the two states
6. Merger or extinction of either sending or receiving state
7. Change in the rank of diplomatic officer
Summary
Usage of the term
Concept and Definition
Functions of Diplomats: Representation, Negotiation,
Reporting, Protection of national interests and citizens
Types of Diplomacy
Features of Traditional Diplomacy: Europe centered, ignore
weak states, more power, secret
Features of New Diplomacy: Greater Openness, Multilateral
Diplomacy, Personal or Summit Diplomacy
Comparison of Old and New diplomacy
OLD Diplomacy New Diplomacy
Limited to European countries and Extends to all countries of the world
politics
Included only few major European Include all countries small or big
powers
The major powers were responsible for All states are responsible for world
world peace peace
Diplomats belong to aristocratic class Diplomats belong to all section of
having similar status and education. society (civil servants appointed through
tests)
Diplomacy was secret Diplomacy is open
Diplomats enjoyed more freedom in Diplomats are dignified clerks and work
negotiation under continuous instruction and
guidance from foreign office
. Diplomatic Immunities
. Termination of diplomatic missions
Review Questions
Q. What is meant by diplomacy?
Q. Discuss the functions of diplomacy.
Q. Explain the two types of diplomacy.
Q. Discuss the main features of traditional diplomacy.
Q. Discuss the main features of new diplomacy.
Q. Mention some of the diplomatic immunities at present.
Q. In what ways are diplomatic missions terminated?