My understanding of diplomacy today

My perception of diplomacy has changed a lot since the beginning of the course. At the outset I didn’t know much about the topic. I looked at diplomacy merely as the interstate negotiations and the tool for the peaceful conduct of international relations.

Therefore, the module developed significantly my knowledge. It showed the evolution of diplomatic practice- a complex issue as it is difficult to even indicate with certainty when exactly diplomacy has started. It presented different phases in diplomacy- the very beginnings of the modern diplomacy back in Renaissance Italy where institution of permanent embassies emerged; its further development until the twentieth century, when diplomacy massively expanded, many new state and non-state actors have ‘joined in’ increasing numbers and types of diplomatic links. Diplomacy has changed its nature- it is no more just about bilateral negotiations between two states, but now, particularly in the twentieth century, the role of multilateral or conference diplomacy has been constantly growing. Additionally, the twentieth century have witnessed many more developments and innovations in diplomacy. The growing importance of various NGOs in diplomacy can be deemed as a positive development, on the other hand, however, there has been constant and gradual decrease in importance carried by classic institution of diplomacy, and the role of ambassador has been also undermined, as currently diplomacy is often conducted by politicians.