Diplomatic Handbook

In recent decades, the conduct of international relations among and within states has been very considerably altered. Today, the content of these relations relies as much on international professional and civil society networks as it does on state-to-state transactions. The role of the Internet has been fundamental in widening communications opportunities for citizens and civil society, with a profound effect on democracy transition. In consequence, diplomacy has taken on a much more human and public face. Twenty-first century ambassadors and diplomats are learning to engage with civil societies, especially on the large themes of democratic change — an engagement that is often resisted by authoritarian regimes. A Diplomat’s Handbook for Democracy Development Support presents a wide variety of specific experiences of diplomats on the ground, identifying creative, human and material resources. More broadly, it is about the policy-making experience in capitals, as democratic states try to align national interests and democratic values. The Handbook also documents the increasingly prominent role of civil society as the essential building block for successful democratic transitions, with each case study examining specific national experiences in the aspiration for democratic and pluralistic governance, and lessons learned on all sides — for better or for worse. While each situation is different — presenting unique, unstructured problems and opportunities — a review of these experiences bears out the validity of the authors’ belief in the interdependence of democratic engagements, and provides practitioners with encouragement, counsel and a greater capacity to support democracy everywhere.

The aim of this book is to provide a concise but comprehensive source of relevant information for those who are embarking on an international and, particularly, a diplomatic career. It is also useful for civil servants who are required to attend multilateral conferences on a wide range of subjects and for those interested in the mechanisms of international relations. This new edition has been up-dated to take account of the major political, economic, social and technological changes which have taken place since the latest edition was published in 1998.

Diplomatic Handbook aims to provide a concise but comprehensive source of relevant information for those who are embarking on an international and, particularly, a diplomatic career. It is also useful for civil servants who are required to attend multilateral conferences on a wide range of subjects and for those interested in the mechanisms of international relations. Coverage includes: - the establishment and conduct of diplomatic relations - the organisation and functions of a Ministry of Foreign Affairs and of a diplomatic mission - protocol and procedure - diplomatic privileges and immunities - consular officers and consular posts - the European Union, NATO, the United Nations and other international organisations - key elements of international law - conference practice and procedure - information, misinformation, disinformation, and media presentation skills - glossary of diplomatic, consular and economic terms This new edition has been up-dated to take account of the major political, economic, social and technological changes which have taken place since the latest edition was published in 1998.

Including chapters from some of the leading experts in the field this Handbook provides a full overview of the nature and challenges of modern diplomacy and includes a tour d'horizon of the key ways in which the theory and practice of modern diplomacy are evolving in the 21st Century.