Different elements in the new diplomacy

Public diplomacy and multilateral diplomacy are key elements in the new diplomacy as well as the “paradiplomacy” of non-state actors. None of these three kinds of diplomacy is more important than any other. None of them has more impact in the international system than the others because they all have their own role to play in what is called diplomacy.

The introduction of non-state actors in the international system such as multinational corporations, NGOs, celebrities or international organizations, among many others, has helped weak states and minorities to be heard and taken into account in the international community. Moreover, non-state actors are, sometimes, more concerned about citizens, environment and improving quality of life rather than states’ national interests. A clear example of this is the recent announcement of some food companies such as Carrefour or Lidl which says that they will stop selling tuna in order to preserve the species.

Non-state actors have a huge impact in the international arena. They are used as intermediaries by many states as a way to keep relations with enemies or non-recognized governments. Besides, they are used as partners by international organizations since non-state actors can provide expertise, information and legitimacy. Thus, the “paradiplomacy” of non-state actors benefits the world by maintaining and promoting peace.

Public diplomacy also has its own and important role in diplomacy. It is used to build relations between different states and to react against bad press. Furthermore, public diplomacy helps in the modeling of state’s image in the world. States want to have a good image so that they can attract investments and tourism and export their culture, values and products around the globe. However, if public diplomacy is not used correctly, it can have deep effects in the way a country is seen by the others.

Multilateral diplomacy is essential for any state in the globalized world that we are currently living. International problems require international solutions and states by their own can no longer solve problems that affect different states at the same time. The eradication of species, for example, can only be solved by cooperation between states. So, throughout the years we have seen an increase of multilateral conferences and negotiations in order to solve problems and avoid conflicts.

Thus, as a conclusion, it is not possible to determine which one is more important since they all are interconnected, interdependent and have their own role in diplomacy.