Жолбов. Английский билеты. 4-5 курс / 4 курс The shift from bilateralism to multilateralism in diplomacy

The shift from bilateralism to multilateralism in diplomacy.

Diplomacy is the method by which nation-states, through authorized agents, maintain relations, communicate with each other, and carry out political, economic and legal transactions. The history of diplomacy is commonly divided between the “old diplomacy” that reached its zenith in the 19^th century and the “new diplomacy” of the 20^th century. The “old diplomacy” or “bilateral diplomacy” developed several key features of contemporary diplomacy – resident ambassadors, secret negotiations, ceremonial duties and protocol, honesty, and professionalism. In “old diplomacy” the resident ambassador was the key actor.

The “new diplomacy” that emerged in the 19^th century is distinguished from the “old” by two main themes: 1) the demand that diplomacy should be more open to public scrutiny and control; 2) the projected establishment of an international organization which act on the international arena.

After World War II multilateral diplomacy blossomed. By the middle of the 20^th century, the international arena had become too big and too complex for traditional bilateral diplomacy to manage to build international and regional organizations with defined rules and procedure, permanent secretariats.

Multilateral diplomacy emphasizes diplomats’ public speaking, debating and language skills since communications are conducted principally by means of verbal, face-to-face exchanges rather than in the predominantly written style of bilateral diplomacy. The intertwining of political, economic, and social issues and concerns on the agenda of multilateral diplomacy have pushed diplomats towards greater specialization, and increased involvement in external affairs with agriculture, civil aviation, finance etc. also, multilateral diplomacy has overlaid the task of the international system on the diplomats’ traditional function of advancing and protecting national interests within the system.

Diplomacy has changed, but all these changes were necessary because in our today’s world we have to act in another way. The period of “cold war” and bilateral diplomacy between The US and USSR is over. We still have to do a lot to improve all the necessary procedure, next generation of diplomats should be ready to represent their countries according to the modern conditions.