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B I L AT E R A L D I P L O M A C Y
most cases the methods of diplomacy do not change. But if one state is perceived to be working all the time to secure for itself onesided benefit, or acting in a manner inconsistent with accepted international behavior, other states put aside notions of mutuality and accommodation in their dealings with it. One could say that in the past, North Korea behaved in this manner but even in Pyongyang, which seemed to revel in its self-imposed isolation in the past, the winds of change have blown and it begins to revert to normal diplomatic interchanges, perhaps in a hesitant manner. There are other states that could match such a description, depending on one’s perspective. Diplomacy as a profession offers no standard template. Some may even question whether knowledge in this field can be transmitted in any way other than practical experience gained through actual work, aided by ‘mentoring’, as we saw in the Introduction. There are techniques that can be described, and illustrated with practical examples. But there is no substitute for actual work. Very little of this work follows a set pattern, and the action canvas is vast. Selfdrive, initiative and even faith in serendipity are vital attributes. So is the ability to ‘think outside the box’ and use the interconnections that an integrated action field offers. It pays to take advantage of windows of opportunity. Here lie the challenge and the thrill of diplomacy. QUESTIONS
1. What is the importance of bilateral relationship building in professional diplomacy? 2. Identify 5 or 6 countries that belong to the circle of special partners for your own nation, and describe in a couple of sentences for each the external profile of each of them. 3. What is the prime task of professional diplomacy today? Please give examples. 4. What challenges does diplomacy face today from internal developments within nations?
01-A Framework.pm6
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1/15/02, 8:56 PM