Contemporary Diplomacy

Contemporary Diplomacy offers a comprehensive introduction to the changing actors, venues, processes and functions of diplomacy in the 21st Century. Aimed at students and practitioners alike, this textbook explores the critical theoretical tools that can be employed to understand diplomacy and its evolution since the end of the Cold War. It also shows how the study of diplomacy can contribute to the analysis of 21st Century conflict and international relations more broadly.

The book is divided into 2 main parts: part I focuses on diplomatic actors and venues: from the traditional nation-state actors of classical diplomatic studies to newer types of actor, such as multilateral organizations, supranational polities, global firms, civil society organizations and eminent person diplomats. Part II examines diplomatic processes and functions, reconsidering the core diplomatic functions of representation and communication in light of new communications technologies and the increased importance of public diplomacy. It looks in-depth at specific functional areas of diplomacy - including economic, military and security, and cultural diplomacy Ð and how they are managed. The concluding chapter reflects more broadly on the relationship of diplomatic theory to practice and considers the range of challenges facing diplomats today.

This book will be essential reading for students of diplomacy, politics, international relations and conflict studies.

Geoffrey Allen Pigman is a member of the Faculty in Political Economy at Bennington College.