The New Diplomacy

The New Diplomacy

International relations and the international political system in recent decades, and especially after the Cold War with the forces of globalisation has changed and brought new aspects of diplomacy. Aspects that competes with traditional diplomatic ideas of national sovereignty and the idea of state to state diplomatic relations. Developing countries, NGO’s, pressure groups, Multinational Corporations and other non-state actors have weakened the traditional diplomacy.

When it comes to international issues such as trade, environment, security, cultural, humanitarian and human rights, these new aspect have transformed traditional diplomacy to a more open and popular diplomacy where more people have the chance to involve in the diplomatic negotiations. Furthermore, with the immense improvement in information technology traditional embassies dot not have the monopoly of reporting on foreign information. A leader of a state can turn on the television or log on the internet for information on a particular issue. although, new technology have some what weakened the information “monopoly” that embassies have, they do not always offer concrete and reliable information that embassies do.

Another aspect is the use of international institutions and cooperation in react to catastrophes and other international crisis such as the recent financial crisis. The increase use of the UN as a mediator is really important aspect of the new diplomacy as this will easy tension between the involved parties. The financial crisis brought Europe into a “regional” diplomatic negotiation, where the European Central Bank played a major role.

In todays contemporary world, a great deal of international issues are “borderless” and this create the need of multilateralism, a great diplomatic tool. Multilateralism in the new diplomacy have made it easier for weaker actors to be heard.

In conclusion, we can all agree to the fact that diplomacy is evolving. Whether this new evolution is good or bad is up to individual research and believe to asses. However, I believe that these new aspects to improve the way diplomacy is conduct, in the sense that it brings in new actors to improve and make it more efficient. I also do believe in the importance of embassies and diplomats. Moreover, the fact that diplomacy in evolving do not mean that it has abandoned is classical aspect of bilateral and secrecy diplomacy.