The innovation and evolution of technology has certainly shed a new light on the whole context of diplomacy. Behind closed doors and the elitist diplomatic society has taken a tumble.
The liberation in society, or at least western society leaves the "old" diplomats hanging by a thread. I am not arguing against t
he old diplomatic agenda, but it is inevitable not to adapt to modern society.
The new diplomacy is an outcome of the development or our society. This is no longer a one man race where people travel hundred of miles just to deliver a classified document. Technology has broken boundaries far beyond what we could ever imagine. Not only us as individuals, also how states interact with each other.
The rise of NGO's, Human Rights groups and environmentalists are also a key factors in the change of diplomacy. The have risen so high that their impact is so significant to the ongoing processes in world diplomacy. They represent the new powers of diplomacy and international affairs. The economic, cultural and commercial even individual are regarded as the "new" key components. States have become so dependent on their backing to make up for their own mistakes and losses.
Richard Langhorne makes a very interesting argument in his book " History and the Evolution of Diplomacy " about the connection between states and non-state actors.
This website: (http://www.diplomacy.edu/books/mdiplomacy_book/langhorne/regular/langhorne-5.htm)
has an excerpt from his book. For a example. In an ongoing financial crisis when states experience confusing and difficult times and they loose power and money in relation to other states. The role or impact of non-state actors such as humanitarian organisations has increased to make up for states own poor governmental structure. This has evoked a new pattern in international affairs. Increased participation gives the the opportunity to influence. There are no longer afraid of the stabbed in the back after they "saved" them. Its a bit confusing I know. Please feel free to read (http://www.diplomacy.edu/books/mdiplomacy_book/langhorne/regular/langhorne-5.htm)
Another interesting point Langhorne makes out is the fact that non-state actors are becoming so powerful. They create their own diplomacy. It is an interesting point of view because evolution has no ending.
With power and influence comes greed and all of a sudden they are more powerful than the state itself.
They move on to greater and better things. Borders and boundaries become more diffuse and we loose even more of our integrity and sovereignty.
I am not sure whether i agree or disagree with Langhorne on this matter. If they create a diplomacy so vast that it overtakes the diplomacy as we know it, should we be afraid? Will they pose a threat to world securtity? This maybe seem as ridiculous questions, but I am only speculating.
Evolution has no ending
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