Introduction to Diplomacy

DR. Takdir Ali Mukti

 The Origin of Diplomacy
• Greek = DIPLOUN, means ‘to fold double’
» It is related to documents that show a
special status of a person who is
acted as ‘formal envoy’ or
ambassador from a certain
country.
.. The Origin...

• First published by Edward

Burke 1796 as DIPLOMACY
that refered to French
‘Diplomatie’ or ‘diplomat’.

• Factually, the diplomatic

practices were not only in
Greece and Rome but also in
India, China, Persia, and others
since 4-5 century BC.
• Kautilya :Indian ancient Diplomacy
• (also known as Chanakya, c. 350-275 BCE)
was an Indian statesman and philosopher,
chief advisor and Prime Minister of the
Indian Emperor Chandragupta, the first
ruler of the Mauryan Empire. Kautilya
belonged to the Brahmin caste (the
priestly class), he was originally from
Northern India and a professor of political 
scienceand economics at the University of 
Taxila. 
“Arthasastra”; the Art of Diplomacy
What is Diplomacy?

The management of international

relations by negotiations (Oxford
Dictionary)

The art of forwarding one’s interest

in relations to other states (KM.
Panikkar)

A means by which a state directly

influences another (Russet and Starr)
 The means by which states through their formal and other
representatives, as well as other actors, articulate,
coordinate, and secure particular or wider interests, using
correspondence, private talks, exchanges of view, lobbying,
visits, threats and other related activities (R.P Barston)
The art of jumping into trouble water without
making a splash
Scope of Diplomacy

Ideology

Politics

Economy

Social-Cultural

Military-Security
 DIPLOMACY
• According to Sir Harold Nicholson 1969 :
Diplomacy in essence is the instrument
employed to put into effect substance,
aims and attitudes of state's relations
between one group alien to themselves.
• Real world diplomatic negotiations are very
different from intellectual debates in a university
where an issue is decided on the merit of the
arguments, and negotiators make a deal by
splitting the difference.
• Though diplomatic agreements can sometimes be
reached among liberal democratic nations by
appealing to higher principles, but, most real
world diplomacy has traditionally been heavily
influenced by hard power.
• The interaction of strength (hard power) and
diplomacy can be illustrated by a comparison
to labor negotiations.
• If a labor union is not willing to strike, then the
union is not going anywhere because
management has absolutely no incentive to
agree to union demands. On the other hand,
if management is not willing to take a strike,
then the company will be walked all over by
the labor union, and management will be
forced to agree to any demand the union
makes. The same concept applies to
diplomatic negotiations.
 Task of Diplomacy
• Ceremonial  Protocol, Representation, Visits
• Management  Day to day problems, Promotions of
interests, Explanation and defence of policy, Strengthening
bilateral relations, bilateral coordination, multilateral
cooperation
• Information and Communication  assessment and
reporting, monitoring
• International Negotiation
• Duty of Protection
• Contribution of International Order  Normative, rule
making, mediation
 Objective of Diplomacy(Kautilya)

• Acquisition (Providing
National Interest)
• Preservation (Protecting
National Interest)
• Augmentation (Maximizing
National Interest)

01/02/2022 13
 Instruments of
Diplomacy

• Sama-Negotiation
• Dana-Concession
• Hard Power
• Soft Power
• Public Diplomacy
INSIDE DIPLOMACY ALWAYS EXISTS:
A. NEGOTIATIONS
B. NATIONAL INTERESTS
C. INFLUENCE OTHERS
D. VARIOUS ACTORS (GOV. AND NON GOV.)
E. VARIOUS INSTRUMENTS
DIPLOMACY AND FOREIGN POLICY :

are they different ?

 What is Foreign Policy?

• Prof. Joseph Framkel – “Foreign

policy consists of decisions and
actions which involves to some
appreciable extent relations between
state and others to provide national
goals”
• Prof. Rodee – “Foreign policy
involves the implementation of a
group principles which shape the
behavior pattern of a state which
negotiating with other states to protect
or further its interests (Security,
Prosperity, and Pride)”
Dr. Takdir Ali Mukti and Datin Siti Hasmah
 Understanding Foreign Policy:

Foreign policy problems are inherently complex

(Steinbruner 1974, 2002). Consequently, making
foreign policy decisions is a complicated task with
wide ranging ramifications. Foreign policy decisions
are made by, may be, a single leader (e.g., the
president), a group (e.g., Congress), or a coalition
(e.g., in parliamentary democracy). (Alex Mintz, 2010)

There are several types of decisions: one-shot single

decisions, interactive decisions, sequential decisions,
and sequential-interactive decisions.

Foreign policy decisions are influenced by the

personality of leaders, the foreign policy environment,
international and domestic factors, decision setting,
and decision dynamics (Alex Mintz. 2010)
Understanding Foreign Policy……..cont.

Foreign policy decisions are typically

made in an interactive setting (i.e.,
involving an opponent, an ally, or both)
and under dynamic conditions (in which
new information enters the decision
situation during crisis). The foreign policy
environment is typically characterized by
a high level of uncertainty, considerable
risk, and incomplete information, and
decisions often have to be made in
unfamiliar settings.
Foreign policy decisions are often made under time and information constraints;
involve value-tradeoffs and sunk costs; are influenced by perceptions
and misperceptions, images and belief systems, emotions, and internal political
and economic calculations; and are shaped by the personality of leaders,
miscalculations, agendas, and interests.
Understanding Foreign Policy……..cont.

• The principles of foreign policy

aren't perpetual (fixed), but some
of them holds prime importance.
• Foreign policy not only affects
neighboring countries but also
neighboring countries accept its
affect (from other countries
policies).
• In international relations there is
no enduring animosity or
friendship, but the national
interest. What is national
interest?
 According to Hans J.

What is National Morgenthau, the idea of the

national interest in general
resembles the constitution of
Interest? the United States of America
in two points, such as the
general welfare and due
process clauses.

It includes ‘a residual
meaning’ which is immanent
in the idea itself, but over and
above this minimum requisite,
‘its content can run the whole
gamut of meanings which are
logically compatible with it.’

Thus the idea of the national

interest has two factors. One
is rationally demanded and,
therefore, of necessity. The
other is changeable and
decided by situations.