The old diplomacy does indeed have great contemporary relevance. The ‘old’ diplomacy cannot be separated from the ‘new’ diplomacy. It has simply evolved through time and adapted to today’s technological advancement and globalisation. This can be confirmed by the fact that secret diplomacy still exists. Even though it is said to be more open to the public nowadays is not. Issues and matters are discussed publicly, but then they are discussed in private as well and to that information no one has any access but the two parties involved. For example, the private meeting that took place in the Bush family ranch between Bush and Blair in 2002 in the United States. No officials were present, and thus till now no one truly knows what was discussed. And it is at this meeting which important decisions were made concerning Iraq and the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/8380139.stm
Diplomats are meant to represent and promote their country. This was done in the past by inviting other diplomats to lavish dinner receptions and making sure they enjoyed their time. As we saw in last week’s video, the documentary on the Foreign Office, this is still applied nowadays. It is important to build a good relationship and 'break the ice'. Food is a very important tool when it comes to talking about important matters and making decisions. It lightens the mood and decisions can be made more easily. As mentioned in the video, when you eat, it is said to signify that you are being honest. Thus, within a relaxed atmosphere more decisions are made.
Very well put. I definitely agree with your blog. Furthermore, this was also said to us during our Ghana Commision visit that it is important to have both bilateral and multilateral relations because in the contemporary world both these relationships are vital in order to pursue the interest of the state in the international realm.
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ReplyDeleteThe old diplomacy was dominated by the state and profesional diplomats, but the new involves non-state actors such as; NGOs, Multinational corporations and Celebrities. Yes it is true that traditional diplomats were meant to represent their countries in a grand manner, although that kind of representation is still important in today's diplomacy - I find it less relevant than it was before because of the changes in the world politics and the advancement in technology.
I agree with you that old and new diplomacy cannot be separated. Good example of Bush & Blair, and also, what a great image you found to illustrate it.
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