Power is an essential element of diplomacy in a system based on self-interested sovereignty. In our world the actors that possess the power to give rewards or inflict punishment are able to influence other actors. Power has many forms: Physical strength is one; skill and economic influence are others.
The general nature of diplomacy involves discussing the overall system, the setting in which modern diplomacy occurs. Modern diplomacy has evolved so that multilateral diplomacy, for example, has become a much more prominent part of diplomacy than it once was.
Options in the conduct of diplomacy mean that negotiators need to decide on the best means of solving a probem. Direct negotiation is one method; signaling is another. Public diplomacy to win the support of public opinion is another diplomatic method.
If a country practices national diplomacy by applying power in the pursuit of its self-interest, does it mean that might makes right? Surely it means that might usually makes success. The alternative approach is to apply the standards of international law and justice to the conduct of international relations so that right, rather than who is mightiest, will more often determine who prevails.
The activities in this chapter ask you to assess the power of several different countries and then to exercise your skills as a diplomat to solve a difficult international problem.
Understand the art of diplomacy and the importance of choosing among various options in its practice by participating in a simulated activity where you need to make crucial diplomatic choices. |
|
|
|
Summarize the evolution of diplomacy from ancient Greece to nineteenth-century Europe by answering some survey questions. |
|
|
|
Understand the major elements of a country’s power by researching the national core, the infrastructure, the economy, and the military of three different nations. |
|
|
|
An educated population is important to national power. This map details the illiteracy rates in countries around the world. |
|
|
|
The size of a country's population can be a positive or negative factor in its power. This map details the population density of nations around the world. |
|
|
|
Research additional information about world diplomacy by surfing the links selected for this chapter. |