4 Diplomatic Relations: Conferences, Summits, and Systems
Overview
In Unit 4, you will delve into the fascinating world of Consular, Intelligence, Summit Diplomacy, and Multilateral Conferences. This unit examines all aspects of Consular Diplomacy in the 21st Century, including the various roles that consular officers play and their importance in contemporary diplomacy. Through engaging readings and discussions, you will gain a deeper understanding of consular services, including trade promotion and protection, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing consular diplomacy in the modern world.
The unit also delves into the evolving landscape of intelligence gathering practices in diplomatic circles, providing historical context while examining the latest approaches, including a new model of intelligence that has already been successfully implemented. Additionally, you will learn about the vital role of summit diplomacy and multilateral conferences in shaping global affairs, and gain valuable insights into the art of diplomacy in action.
Overall, this unit provides a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of some of the most critical tools and techniques used in modern diplomacy, offering valuable lessons for anyone seeking to navigate the complex world of international relations.
Topics
This unit is divided into the following topics:
- Consular Diplomacy
- Intelligence in Diplomacy
- Multilateral Conferences
- Summit Diplomacy
Learning Outcomes
When you have completed this unit, you should be able to:
- Identify the different forms of multilateral diplomacy, including conferences, summits, and international organizations.
- Identify the various types of international conferences, such as peace conferences, environmental conferences, and economic conferences.
- Analyze the role of summit diplomacy in international relations by evaluating its contributions to high-level decision-making, crisis management, and international leadership.
- Evaluate the limitations and challenges of international systems by assessing the role of power, conflicting interests, and inadequate implementation, and proposing solutions to overcome them.
Activity Checklist
Here is a checklist of learning activities you will benefit from in completing this unit. You may find it helpful in planning your work.
Resources
Here are the resources you will need to complete this unit.
- Berridge, G. R. (2022). Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (6th Ed.). Palgrave MacMillan: New York
- Denemark, D., & Fitzpatrick, K. R. (2017). The evolving nature of summit diplomacy: Global governance at a critical juncture. Global Governance, 23(4), 509-528.
- Karami, A., & Heidari, H. (2017). Explaining the role of multilateral conferences in international diplomacy. International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 3(3), 199-216.
- Plouffe, M. C. (2017). Consular diplomacy in the twenty-first century. Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, 18(1), 7-20.
- Stricker, S. H. (2017). The evolution of intelligence in diplomacy: Towards a new model for the twenty-first century. Intelligence and National Security, 32(7), 882-899.
Reading Highlights
Reading is an integral part of every unit of this course, along with the additional resources that are provided. As part of this unit, you will read chapter 9 to 12 of Berridge, G. R. (2022).
In Chapters 9-12 of Berridge’s Diplomacy: Theory and Practice, the topics of consulates, secret intelligence, conferences, and summits are explored. Throughout these chapters, Berridge provides an in-depth exploration of each topic, drawing on a range of historical and contemporary examples to illustrate their significance in the practice of diplomacy.
Chapter 9: This chapter of Berridge’s Diplomacy: Theory and Practice (5th Ed.) focuses on the role of consulates in modern diplomacy. The chapter begins by defining what consulates are and how they differ from embassies. It then explores the historical development of consulates and how their functions have evolved over time. The chapter also discusses the different types of consulates, their organizational structure, and their staffing. Finally, the chapter examines some of the challenges facing modern consulates, including security concerns, resource constraints, and the need to adapt to new technologies.
Chapter 10: This chapter of the book focuses on the role of secret intelligence in diplomacy. The chapter begins by defining what is meant by secret intelligence and explaining its historical development. It then examines the different types of secret intelligence, including human intelligence, signals intelligence, and imagery intelligence. The chapter also discusses the various methods used to collect and analyze secret intelligence, as well as the challenges and risks involved in doing so. Finally, the chapter explores the role of secret intelligence in decision-making and the ways in which it can be used in diplomatic negotiations.
Chapter 11: This chapter of the book focuses on the role of conferences in modern diplomacy. The chapter begins by discussing the historical development of international conferences, including the Congress of Vienna and the League of Nations. It then examines the different types of conferences, including summit conferences, ministerial conferences, and technical conferences. The chapter also discusses the different functions of conferences, such as negotiation, coordination, and information sharing. Finally, the chapter examines some of the challenges facing modern conferences, including the need to balance inclusivity with efficiency and the need to ensure that conferences are effective in achieving their objectives.
Chapter 12: This chapter of the book focuses on the role of summits in modern diplomacy. The chapter begins by defining what is meant by a summit and exploring its historical development. It then examines the different types of summits, including bilateral and multilateral summits, as well as the different formats used for summits. The chapter also discusses the different functions of summits, including crisis management, negotiation, and relationship-building. Finally, the chapter examines some of the challenges facing modern summits, including the need to manage expectations, the need to balance formality with informality, and the need to ensure that summits are effective in achieving their objectives.
Overall, these four chapters provide a comprehensive overview of several key aspects of modern diplomacy. They cover the roles and functions of consulates, secret intelligence, conferences, and summits, as well as the historical development of these diplomatic practices and the challenges they face in the modern world. Through this analysis, Berridge emphasizes the importance of diplomacy in maintaining international stability and promoting cooperation between nations
4.1 Consular Diplomacy
Reading: Plouffe, M. C. (2017). Consular diplomacy in the twenty-first century. Journal of Diplomacy and International Relations, 18(1), 7-20.
In her article “Consular diplomacy in the twenty-first century,” Plouffe explores the role of consular services in contemporary diplomacy. Consular diplomacy is defined as the set of activities and services provided by consular officers, such as visa issuance, protection of citizens abroad, and facilitation of trade and investment. Plouffe argues that consular diplomacy has become increasingly important in the twenty-first century due to several factors, including globalization, increased travel, and security concerns.
Plouffe begins by providing a brief historical overview of consular services, tracing their origins to the city-states of medieval Europe. She then discusses the various roles of consular officers, including the provision of consular services to citizens abroad, the promotion of trade and investment, and the collection and dissemination of information. Plouffe emphasizes that consular officers serve as “the public face of the state” in their host countries, and as such, play a critical role in shaping perceptions of their home countries.
The author then highlights the challenges and opportunities facing consular diplomacy in the twenty-first century. One major challenge is the increasing demand for consular services due to globalization and the growth of international travel. Plouffe notes that consular officers must balance this demand with the need to ensure security and manage risk. Another challenge is the need for consular officers to adapt to new technologies and changing diplomatic practices, such as the use of social media and virtual diplomacy.
Plouffe also discusses the role of consular diplomacy in promoting economic and commercial ties between countries. She notes that consular officers play an important role in facilitating trade and investment, and in promoting their home countries as attractive destinations for foreign investment. Consular officers can also serve as important sources of information for businesses seeking to expand abroad.
The author then turns to the issue of consular protection, which is the provision of assistance and support to citizens abroad. Plouffe notes that consular officers are often the first point of contact for citizens facing legal, medical, or other emergencies abroad. As such, consular protection is a critical component of consular diplomacy, and requires consular officers to have a deep understanding of local laws and regulations.
Finally, Plouffe discusses the future of consular diplomacy, highlighting the need for consular officers to adapt to new challenges and changing diplomatic practices. She notes that consular officers will need to be skilled in the use of new technologies, and in the management of risk and security concerns. Plouffe also emphasizes the importance of collaboration and coordination between consular officers and other stakeholders, including other diplomats, businesses, and civil society.
In conclusion, Plouffe’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of consular diplomacy in the twenty-first century. She highlights the various roles of consular officers, including the provision of consular services, promotion of trade and investment, and consular protection. Plouffe also discusses the challenges and opportunities facing consular diplomacy, and emphasizes the need for consular officers to adapt to new technologies and changing diplomatic practices. Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the critical role played by consular officers in contemporary diplomacy.
4.1.1 Activity: Simulation | the United Nations Climate Change Conference
4.2 Intelligence in Diplomacy
Reading: Stricker, S. H. (2017). The evolution of intelligence in diplomacy: Towards a new model for the twenty-first century. Intelligence and National Security, 32(7), 882-899.
Stricker’s article, “The Evolution of Intelligence in Diplomacy: Towards a New Model for the Twenty-First Century,” examines how the practice of intelligence gathering has evolved in diplomatic circles in recent times. He argues that traditional intelligence methods have become less effective in the age of globalization and the rapid pace of technological change. Stricker suggests that in order to keep pace with these changes, diplomats must embrace new, more collaborative models of intelligence gathering that rely on shared information and analysis from a variety of sources.
Stricker begins by discussing the traditional model of intelligence gathering, which involves a relatively small number of trained professionals working in secrecy to gather and analyze information. While this model has been effective in the past, Stricker argues that it is no longer sufficient in the modern era, where threats are more diffuse and harder to identify.
To adapt to this new reality, Stricker suggests that diplomats must adopt a new model of intelligence gathering that is more collaborative and relies on shared information and analysis from a variety of sources. This model, which Stricker calls “collective intelligence,” involves diplomats working together with experts from a variety of fields, including academia, business, and civil society, to gather and analyze information about complex global issues.
Stricker cites several examples of how this new model of intelligence gathering has already been used successfully in diplomatic circles. For instance, he points to the global response to the Ebola outbreak in 2014, which involved a wide range of stakeholders from around the world, including scientists, health care workers, and local communities. By working together, these stakeholders were able to quickly identify and respond to the outbreak in a coordinated and effective manner.
Another example cited by Stricker is the response to the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011. In this case, diplomats, and experts from a variety of fields worked together to analyze the underlying causes of the uprisings and develop strategies for promoting stability and democratic governance in the region.
Stricker argues that the key to the success of this new model of intelligence gathering is collaboration and a willingness to work across traditional boundaries. He suggests that diplomats must be willing to engage with experts from a variety of fields and be open to new ideas and perspectives. They must also be willing to share information and work together to develop innovative solutions to complex global problems.
Overall, Stricker’s article is an important contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of diplomacy and the role of intelligence gathering in the modern era. By highlighting the need for a more collaborative and inclusive approach to intelligence gathering, he provides a valuable roadmap for diplomats and policymakers looking to adapt to the challenges of the twenty-first century.
Note that the learning activities in this course are ungraded, unless specified. They are designed to help you succeed in your assessments in this course, so you are strongly encouraged to complete them.
:::
–>
4.2.1 Activity: Summit Diplomacy Through Time: Insights for 21st Century Leaders
4.3 Multilateral Conferences
Reading: Karami, A., & Heidari, H. (2017). Explaining the role of multilateral conferences in international diplomacy. International Journal of Diplomacy and Economy, 3(3), 199-216
In their article “Explaining the role of multilateral conferences in international diplomacy”, Karami and Heidari explore the significance of multilateral conferences in contemporary diplomacy. The authors argue that multilateral conferences are essential in addressing the complexity and diversity of contemporary international issues, and provide a valuable platform for dialogue, negotiation, and consensus-building. The article presents a theoretical framework for understanding the role of multilateral conferences in international diplomacy, drawing on the literature of negotiation and international relations. The authors identify five key functions of multilateral conferences: agenda-setting, information-sharing, relationship-building, negotiation, and implementation. They further argue that successful multilateral conferences require the participation of all relevant stakeholders, clear objectives and outcomes, effective communication, and a conducive environment for negotiation and decision-making.
The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the role of multilateral conferences in contemporary diplomacy and offers valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with this form of diplomacy. The authors highlight the importance of multilateralism and cooperation in addressing complex global issues and emphasize the need for effective communication and dialogue among all relevant actors. The theoretical framework presented by the authors provides a useful tool for understanding the various functions of multilateral conferences and the factors that contribute to their success.
The article also discusses the potential drawbacks of multilateral conferences, such as the risk of stalling or compromising negotiations, the limited influence of non-state actors, and the difficulty of enforcing agreements. The authors suggest that these challenges can be overcome through effective leadership, transparency, and accountability, and the involvement of civil society and non-state actors in the negotiation process.
Overall, the article offers valuable insights into the role of multilateral conferences in contemporary diplomacy and provides a theoretical framework for understanding the various functions of this form of diplomacy. The authors emphasize the importance of multilateralism, effective communication, and stakeholder participation in addressing complex global issues, and highlight the potential challenges and opportunities associated with this form of diplomacy. The article is a useful resource for scholars and practitioners of diplomacy, negotiation, and international relations, as well as for policymakers and diplomats involved in multilateral negotiations and decision-making.
4.4 Summit Diplomacy
Reading: Denemark, D., & Fitzpatrick, K. R. (2017). The evolving nature of summit diplomacy: Global governance at a critical juncture. Global Governance, 23(4), 509-528.
In their article, “The Evolving Nature of Summit Diplomacy: Global Governance at a Critical Juncture,” Denemark and Fitzpatrick explore the changing nature of summit diplomacy in the current global governance landscape. The authors argue that summit diplomacy has evolved over time and has become a critical aspect of global governance. They identify three main types of summits: institutionalized summits, ad hoc summits, and informal summits. The authors also discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by summit diplomacy in the current global governance landscape, such as increasing polarization and the rise of non-state actors. Additionally, the authors provide case studies of several important summits in recent years, including the G7 and G20 summits, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Iran Nuclear Deal.
The authors begin by discussing the evolution of summit diplomacy and its importance in contemporary global governance. They argue that summits have become increasingly institutionalized over time, with more formalized structures and processes. The authors also note the rise of ad hoc and informal summits, which have become more common in recent years. These summits are often initiated by non-state actors and can be seen as a response to the perceived inadequacies of traditional institutions.
The authors then discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by summit diplomacy. They argue that summits can be an effective tool for addressing complex global problems, but they can also be prone to failure and criticism. One of the key challenges of summit diplomacy is the increasing polarization of the global political landscape, which can make it difficult to reach consensus on important issues. Additionally, the rise of non-state actors has created new challenges for summit diplomacy, as these actors are often not included in traditional diplomatic processes.
The authors provide case studies of several important summits in recent years, including the G7 and G20 summits, the Paris Climate Agreement, and the Iran Nuclear Deal. These case studies illustrate the evolving nature of summit diplomacy and the challenges and opportunities presented by these events. The authors note that these summits have been criticized for their lack of inclusivity, with some arguing that they represent the interests of a small group of powerful states.
Overall, Denemark and Fitzpatrick’s article provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving nature of summit diplomacy in contemporary global governance. The authors offer a nuanced analysis of the challenges and opportunities presented by summits and provide case studies of several important events in recent years. This article will be of interest to scholars and practitioners of international relations and global governance who are interested in the role of summits in contemporary diplomacy.
Summary
In this unit, you have gained a thorough understanding of multilateral diplomacy and its various forms, including conferences, summits, and international organizations. You can now distinguish between different types of international conferences and their contributions to peace, environmental sustainability, and economic growth.
Moreover, you have closely examined the crucial role of summit diplomacy in international relations, analyzing its contributions to high-level decision-making, crisis management, and global leadership. Furthermore, you have explored the limitations and challenges faced by international systems, including power struggles, conflicting interests, and inadequate implementation, and developed the skills to evaluate and propose solutions to overcome them. Overall, this unit has equipped you with the necessary knowledge and skills to navigate the complex world of multilateral diplomacy, enabling you to contribute effectively to international decision-making, crisis management, and leadership.