Diplomacy occurs as a dialogue between independent states. When talking about diplomacy, one must understand that there are Old and New diplomacy. The Old diplomacy is done in secret and very exclusive of the public population, and it’s all about high politics. Whereas, the new diplomacy is carried out in open, and inclusive of a wider state representatives and the general public. This could be regarded as low politics.
As regards to diplomatic relationships, Berridge explained that the bilateral relations are discussions that are usually informal and well out of the public gaze. Therefore, bilateral relations are open diplomacy. However, in multilateral relations, “the parties are more numerous and procedure more complex”. In such diplomacy negotiation or prenegotiations “might be both formal and well advertised”. This is regarded as the new diplomacy. But in purpose, both bilateral and multilateral relations are similar in the sense that, states act in their own national interest.
Some scholars and diplomat see the new diplomacy as a waste of time. This could be because the new diplomacy is done openly, where information and decisions have to be taken and made by states representatives. For example, the conference on security and cooperation in Europe, which “culminated in the Helsinki Final Act in 197, took 9 months to be negotiated. Therefore, the old diplomacy is seen as a quick and effective way to reach decisions. At times diplomats may not reach a decision, during their diplomatic conferences, but it could create strong relations between states and diplomats.
I feel there is a grey area when it comes to using old and new diplomacy.No one can know what the outcome of a situation would be in either case.I do not agree that the new diplomacy is a waste of time.I feel, the more openly things are done, the more will citizens understand the complexity of diplomacy and they will therefore want a say at times when it comes to issues such as security, trade and the environment.The old diplomacy may seem quick and simple, but if a wrong decision is taken, the government will loose the support of the public and this could lead to mass protests in the state.
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