The concept of diplomacy in the 21st century has changed greatly, mainly because of the dynamism that characterizes the world today. Historically, diplomacy was exclusively conceived as direct relations between states and foreign governments only, but this has evolved over time to include anybody, anything, technology, and creativity.
A striking example of dynamics in 21st-century diplomacy is the Paris climate accord signed in 2015 by 196 countries. This important treaty proves that the global community can unite on a vital problem by recognizing the initiatives of the USA, China, and the countries of the European Union.
Another piece of successful diplomacy was the Iran nuclear deal, or also the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA. Signed between Iran and the USA and facilitated with the cooperation of Russia, China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the EU, JCPOA is a perfect example of diplomatic endurance and concessions.
Using the experience of the USA and Cuba after the announcement of the US authorities on the desire for the normalization of relations in 2014, the subject of the topic is the stranger aspect of engagement diplomacy. They resumed their relations and foreign intercourse in art and commerce in the middle of the 21st century.
In the era when the use of technologies is becoming dominant in human life, diplomacy has embraced technological developments. Communication technology such as social media, forums, and cybersecurity are some of the key items that have become compulsions for diplomats. Primary examples of this new change are the US Department of State’s “Digital Diplomacy” plan and the European Union’s “Digital Diplomacy Network.”
Official diplomacy is accompanied by the phenomenon of public diplomacy: people’s diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, and international education. There are the Fulbright Scholarship programme, the International Visitor Leadership programme, among others, which enhance humility and global ambassadors for the participating nations.
This represents a growing trend of economic diplomacy because major countries want free trade, foreign direct investments, and more sustainable development. This has been evidenced by the formation of economic blocs like the European Union and the Association of States of Southeast Asia (ASEAN).
Multilateral diplomacy is still valuable since diplomacy is carried out in international organizations and through international relations. Both the United Nations and WTO, as well as the International Court of Justice, best represent collective action.
But there are also challenges of diplomacy in the 21st century to a certain degree. Protectionism and geopolitical tensions are on the increase; they are able to destabilize the world. Global warming, outbreaks, and disasters can and should be fought collectively across the global community.
The coronavirus effects have highlighted the necessity of rising states collaboration and diplomacy plays. The WHO coordination of multilateral diplomacy and sharing of vital information cements the impact of multilateral diplomacy.
The special attention is paid to the USA and China Climate Change Agreement signed in 2014.
Then there is the India-US Nuclear Deal of 2008, the ASEAN Economic Community, the development of which has been completed in 2015. ASEAN–China Free Trade Area was signed in 2018 to establish the Intercontinental Free Business District.
The above achievements are indicative to the extent that diplomacy, when practiced and deployed, can enhance the provision of solutions to most of the challenges facing the world.
Quite surprisingly, a feeling is gradually emerging that today’s international relations cannot succeed without resorting to information diplomacy. Informal diplomacy can be best described as diplomacy that goes beyond official government-to-government contacts and involves contacts that are people-to-people in their aim of achieving cooperation, trust, and conflict resolution.
Therefore, international diplomacy in the 21st century is best referred to as a complex, adaptive, and progressive form of diplomacy. Through embracing technological change, international cooperation, or encouraging cultural sensitivity, diplomats can easily understand the relations between two countries and help to promote a peaceful and happy world.
Track II diplomacy is an unofficial diplomacy where non-governmental specialists and scholars sit behind closed doors to discuss sensitive Isles. Other forms of people-to-people contacts called informal diplomacy are cultural exchange, business and trade contacts, civil society groups, use of social/Internet platforms, and other contacts between the citizens.
Such channels include the following advantages: trust and confidence, effective cooperation on sensitive matters, the establishment of common interests, the invention of new approaches, and raising awareness between the two parties. Some of the best examples of informal diplomacy include the Oslo Peace Accord, the Helsinki Accord, and the US China Track II.
Thus, informals are of rather great importance in the 21st century owing to globalization, non-state actors, and multifaceted international problems. Appropriate informal diplomacy encompasses the understanding of culture, adaptability, good communication skills, and the skills of building relationships.
Despite the formal structures, people’s governments can encourage actors to cooperate, trust each other, and solve multifaceted issues. Thus, the function of informal diplomacy will remain critical in creating sustainable healing, stability, and appreciation.
Diplomacy in the future is continually changing due to technological changes, alterations in the distribution of power, and other new factors. Considering the fact that the Asia-Pacific region occupies the most developing economies and has many different cultures, its role in the formation of further diplomatic relations will be crucial to its role in the formation of future diplomacy.
The changes are also observable on the level of diplomatic practices vital in the region where digital diplomacy, public diplomacy, or track-two diplomacy are added to the conventional diplomacy. ASEAN has become an important actor for regional diplomacy, advocating for economic integration, the settlement of conflicts, and cooperation.
Since the emergence of China and India as superpowers of the world, the diplomacy of the Asia-Pacific states has taken a new turn. In both cases, diplomacy is being used to serve the economic and strategic needs of both countries while at the same time responding to the questions of regional security. Japan, South Korea, and Australia too are very busy in diplomatic processes, nurturing cooperation and managing problems in the region.
There are many important diplomatic arrangements situated in the region, such as the ARF (ASEAN Regional Forum), the EAS (East Asia Summit), the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum), the SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organization), and the BRI (Belt and Road Initiative). These initiatives give the region participation in multilateralism, economic cooperation, and conflict resolution.
But the Asia-Pacific area also has diplomatic concerns such as the Spratly Islands Issue, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s Uranium Project, nationalism, protectionism, climate change and environmental degradation, and cyber security threats.
To meet these challenges, diplomacy in the Asia-Pacific region must progress toward new forms, effectively using high technologies in strengthening diplomatic cooperation and communication, increasing people-to-people exchanges, and cultural diplomacy, promoting economic integration and cooperation, developing regional security structures, and combating climate change and environmental issues.
Thus, the future of diplomacy within the Asia-Pacific region shall be envisioned based on a nation’s capacity for change in the face of emerging threats, the incorporation of new technological developments, and the strengthening of relationship horizontality. Some important diplomatic enactments are the ASEAN Economic Community, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, the India-ASEAN FTA, the China-ASEAN FTA, and the AI CEPA.
These agreements are evidence that diplomacy can lead to economic development, formations of regional cooperation, and ultimately stability. It also aims at discussing key trends affecting the diplomatic dynamics in Asia-Pacific post-COVID-19, namely the shift of Anglo-Saxon polarity and multilateralism between the USA and China, and the role of India and other emerging powers, regional institutions/non-state actors, and technology in this process.
In this context, diplomacy is going to matter as the region has to manage these societal-political realities in order to create a pull for peace, stability, and prosperity. Today’s diplomats cannot be rigid figures; they have to be dynamic and innovative so they can foster cooperation, understanding, and peace.
Therefore, international diplomacy in the 21st century is best referred to as a complex, adaptive, and progressive form of diplomacy. Through embracing technological change, international cooperation, or encouraging cultural sensitivity, diplomats can easily understand the relations between two countries and help to promote a peaceful and happy world.
Today, the art of diplomacy is not the same as in the past, and it is adapting itself to today’s world. Even as the world gets smaller and relations between countries grow closer, diplomacy will continue to be an effective tool of encouraging relations, understanding, and peace between nations.
