Meeting the challenge of developing world diplomacy in the 21st century : an assessment of perspectives on contemporary diplomatic training

Abstract

This thesis examines perspectives on the role of contemporary diplomatic training in meeting the challenge of Developing World diplomacy at the cusp of the 21st century. An historical overview of diplomatic practice reveals that in the course (particularly the second half) of the past century, changes in the form and substance of international relations have confronted the profession on an unprecedented scale and increased exponentially the scope, methods and diversity of stakeholders in diplomacy. These changes have spawned widespread critical reflection on the raison d'être of professional diplomacy, but the study contends that in the more demanding and competitive contemporary environment diplomats are actually experiencing affirmation of their de jure functions and a marked increase in their de facto roles.. The research also highlights the emergence during the same period of the 'Developing World' – a group of states that share a sense of present and historical vulnerability vis-à-vis the more developed, industrialised nations of the Developed World. In an attempt to overcome its comparative lack of power in the global arena, the less-developed group has positioned itself as a distinct diplomatic assemblage with an ambitious agenda and assertive approach, known as the diplomacy of development. The general absence of competitive advantage in other foreign policy tools has bestowed on diplomacy a key role as guarantor of the Developing World’s symbolic and practical presence in the global arena. It is precisely in this area of diplomatic capacity, however, that an exigency exists, as professional diplomats continue to be neglected state resources in many developing countries.. An investigation into contemporary diplomatic practice reveals that challenges to the profession are increasingly prompting authorities all over the world to enhance diplomats’ performance by means of career-specific training. Recognition of its advantages is informing the global trend to widen and deepen institutionalised training and is contributing to the growing convergence of international practice in the field. In spite of this phenomenon, in many parts of the Developing World – particularly Sub-Saharan Africa – daunting obstacles to diplomatic training are inversely proportionate to capacity. Certain sub-groups of the Developing World, such as new states and states in transition, present even greater challenges – and, conversely even greater demand – for diplomatic training. The study finds that the long-term benefits of diplomatic training are sufficiently compelling to render imperative a strategic commitment by Developing World ministries of foreign affairs to this area of human resource development. In addition, more proactive but circumspect participation in international cooperation in the field is necessary. The establishment of domestic diplomatic training capacity is presented as an ideal, provided that the norms of international best practice in structure, method and content of training are heeded, and that programmes are adequately customised to focus on the pursuit of the diplomacy of development. In conclusion, thus, the fundamental research proposition is verified in the sense that diplomatic training is found to be instrumental in meeting the challenge of 21st century Developing World diplomacy..