BJS 1102

INTRODUCTION TO DIPLOMACY

CAT 1&2

NAME: KEGEGE PETER NYABUTI

ADMIN. NO: BCSM/2019/42047

ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS

a) “Diplomacy and International Relations are two faces of one coin”. What do you
understand of this statement? (8 marks)

Diplomacy is the process by which two states or nations interact peaceful or communicate to
strength their foreign policies. It is also the process of conflict resolution through non-violent
means. International Relations defines the way two or more nations or states relate and conduct
their businesses. The two use tact and intelligence and each one follows another

The main role of diplomacy is studying the differences between states, and identifying their
common policies hence use them to further a nation foreign policy. Diplomacy is the first step in
the practice of international relations, as it ensures that the receiving state welcomes any
advances made by the sending nation. The process of collecting information, representing the
nation’s interests is what international relations entails. International relations helps a nation
identify what another nation lacks that they might be having, hence initiate an exchange
program.

Diplomacy and international relations go hand in hand in that diplomacy is seen as a means of
achieving and determining international relations. In simple terms term, diplomacy is the vehicle
that delivers internal goods.

b) Explain any two styles of diplomacy that have been applied between Kenya and
Somalia relationships in the recent past. (8 marks)

Conference Diplomacy: after Kenya’s independence in 1963, a secession movement begun in

Kenya by Somali descendants who lived in the Northern Frontier District, current North Eastern
Province wanting to be con-joined with Somaliland. With a 4 year Shifta war seeming unending,
the then prime minister of Somalia, Muhammad Haji signed a military cease-fire treaty with
Kenya in Arusha to end the war. More than 10,000 people had been killed.

Arbitration and Judicial process: in 2014, Somalia filed a case in the International Court of
Justice about the dispute of her and Kenya concerning the 100,000km maritime boarder. This is
after a series of diplomatic negotiations failed to end the conflict even after the 2009 MOU when
the two countries agreed to work with the UN Organ of boarders. On February, 16 th 2019, Kenya
accused Somalia of violated their treaty and auctioning oil and gas blocks in it’s maritime
territory. The ambassador for Kenya in Somalia was recalled, while Somali envoy in Kenya was
given a note to leave Kenya.

Explain the general functions of the documents of diplomacy. (7 marks)

- Used to open up diplomatic relations and missions e.g letter of credence

- Used to show solidarity among states like the ceremonial notes e.g congratulatory notes
- Used to convey the stand of a state regarding a subject matter e.g demarches
- Used to preserve conversations that have taken place between two states e.g aide-
memoirs and pro-memoria
- Through exchange of notes, states reaffirm their commitment towards a certain
agreement, hence bound by it.
- A warning can be passed by many states to one state by using a collective note. This can
be deployed in conflict resolution.
- Used to officially end diplomatic missions e.d letter of recall.
c) Explain any five documents used in internal diplomatic correspondence. (7 marks)

Diplomatic correspondence is the art of interstate communications used to pass information

about important matters of diplomacy. The documents are widely grouped as notes or letters.
Letters are used by heads of states while notes are used by other diplomats

1. Letter of Credence
This is usually the first formal communication from a sending state to another to accept
the sent diplomat. This is written by the head of the state of the sending state and received
by the head of the receiving state.
2. Letter of Recall
This is the official communication that a diplomat’s mission in the receiving state has
come to an end hence recalled back by the sending state. Usually, this is delivered by the
incoming diplomat before handing in their letter of credence. It is written by the head of
state of the sending state.
3. Letter of Full Powers
in some diplomatic missions, the sent diplomat should be given the highest possible
diplomatic status for the mission to be accomplished successfully. Letter of Full Powers
give the diplomat a final say on matters hence can sign treaties on behalf of the sending
state.
4. Identic Note
This is a note from one state to two or more states to communicate a similar message to
them all.
5. Note Collective
This is a communication from two or more states to one state meant to deliver a
universally agreed message concerning the state in question or matter at hand.