The Evolution of Modern Diplomacy

Sir Ivor Roberts lectures on the history of diplomacy and the role of the modern diplomat. Roberts, President of Trinity College at Oxford, begins with an overview of the emergence of a new diplomacy after World War I, predicated on a new openness borne of faster communication, increasing power of the press, and a shift in democracies from ruling elites to governments. He discusses the historical development of multilateral diplomacy and the recent increase in high-level summits. He also describes the changes in modern diplomacy due to new technology, which has enabled faster communication and decision making and more direct talks between experts on issues such as climate change. Roberts discusses the emergence of Track II diplomacy by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups, academics, and specialist consultancies, noting that this is a result of the more horizontal issues of today's foreign policy: human rights, climate change, terrorism, and nonproliferation have displaced more traditional territorial or geographical diplomatic issues. Roberts answers questions about negotiating with terrorists; dealing with Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons; the declining power of Western countries; and the advantages of cultural diplomacy. Sir Ivor Roberts presented the 2010 Charles F. Bonser Distinguished Lecturer in Public Policy at Indiana University Kelley School of Business.
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