Difference between old and new diplomacy

Old diplomacy and new diplomacy are two approaches to international relations that have evolved over time. The main difference between them lies in their underlying principles, methods, and goals.

Old Diplomacy (Traditional Diplomacy)

Old diplomacy, also known as traditional diplomacy, emerged in the 18th century and was characterized by:

1. Formalism: Diplomats were trained in formal etiquette, protocol, and ceremonial procedures.
2. State-centric: Diplomacy focused on the interests of individual states, with little attention to non-state actors or global issues.
3. Secretive: Diplomatic negotiations were often conducted in secret, with little transparency or public involvement.
4. Bilateral: Diplomacy was primarily conducted between two states, with little consideration for multilateral agreements or international organizations.
5. Realpolitik: Diplomacy was often driven by a desire for power, security, and national interests, with little regard for moral or ethical considerations.

Examples of old diplomacy include:

• The Congress of Vienna (1815) and the Concert of Europe (1815-1848), which aimed to maintain the balance of power in Europe through secret agreements and alliances.
• The diplomacy of the Great Powers during the 19th and early 20th centuries, which focused on maintaining their respective spheres of influence and preventing war.

New Diplomacy (Modern Diplomacy)

New diplomacy, also known as modern diplomacy, emerged in the mid-20th century and is characterized by:

1. Informalism: Diplomats now engage in more informal, flexible, and flexible communication, including the use of new technologies and social media.
2. Multilateralism: Diplomacy now often involves multiple states, international organizations, and non-state actors, such as NGOs, civil society, and the private sector.
3. Transparency: Diplomatic negotiations are increasingly conducted in a more transparent and open manner, with greater public involvement and scrutiny.
4. Global governance: Diplomacy now focuses on addressing global issues, such as climate change, human rights, and economic development, through international agreements and institutions.
5. Multidisciplinarity: Diplomacy now draws on a broader range of disciplines, including economics, sociology, environmental science, and human rights, to address complex global challenges.

Examples of new diplomacy include:

• The United Nations (UN) and its various agencies, which aim to promote international cooperation and address global challenges.
• The European Union (EU) and other regional organizations, which promote integration and cooperation among member states.
• The diplomacy of the 1990s and 2000s, which focused on addressing global issues such as climate change, human rights, and economic development through international agreements and institutions.

In summary, old diplomacy was characterized by formalism, state-centricity, secrecy, bilateralism, and realpolitik, while new diplomacy is marked by informality, multilateralism, transparency, global governance, and multidisciplinarity.