ASSIGNMENT NO 1
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Submitted to
Mam Maryam Khalid
Submitted by
Izza Fatima (29)
BS-IV (Morning)
Session 2023-2027
INSTITUTE OF GEOGRAPHY
UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB
LAHORE
Table of Content
1. Introduction to Diplomacy 3
Definitions of Diplomacy 3
In the context of International Relations (IR) 3
2. Status of Diplomacy During the Cold War (1947–1991) 4
What is the Cold War? 4
Why It Is Called the Cold War? 4
Nature of Diplomacy During the Cold War 4
3. Status of Diplomacy in the Post–Cold War Era 5
Effects on the World: 5
4. Status of Diplomacy After 9/11 6
Changes in Diplomatic Practice: 6
Examples: 6
5. Effects of War on Diplomatic Relations 7
Impacts During War: 7
Long-Term Consequences: 7
Modern Consequences: 7
Conclusion 7
Reference 9
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Concept of Diplomacy: Status of Diplomacy During the Cold War; Status of Diplomacy
in the Post-Cold War; Status of Diplomacy after 9/11
1. Introduction to Diplomacy
The Greek word diploma, which means “a folded paper” or document that grants privileges,
is where the word “diplomacy” comes from. In the past, this referred to passports and official
documents issued to envoys or emissaries. During the Roman era, the idea developed further
in Renaissance Italy, especially in Venice, where permanent diplomatic offices were set up.
Since then, diplomacy has developed into a vital instrument for organizing amicable talks
between nations.
Definitions of Diplomacy
1. Harold Nicolson defines diplomacy as “the management of international relations
by negotiation; the method by which these relations are adjusted and managed by
ambassadors and envoys.”
2. Henry Kissinger described diplomacy as “the art of restraining power.”
3. Quincy Wright noted diplomacy as “the art of communication and negotiation
among nations in a peaceful manner.”
4. Ernest Satow calls diplomacy “the application of intelligence and tact to the
conduct of official relations between governments.”
In the context of International Relations (IR), diplomacy is a core mechanism for
conducting foreign affairs and resolving conflicts. IR theorists such as Hans Morgenthau
emphasize diplomacy as a balance of power tool, while liberal scholars see it as an instrument
for cooperation and international order.
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2. Status of Diplomacy During the Cold War (1947–1991)
What is the Cold War?
The Cold War was a prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the United
States (and its allies) and the Soviet Union (and its satellite states) following World War II. It
was termed “cold” because it did not escalate into a direct full scale war between the
superpowers, although it manifested in proxy wars, arms races, and ideological conflict.
Why It Is Called the Cold War?
The term was popularized by Bernard Baruch and George Orwell. It denotes a state
of conflict characterized by hostility without direct military engagement between the main
actors mainly the U.S. and USSR. Tensions were kept “cold” through mutual deterrence,
especially nuclear weapons.
Reasons Behind the Cold War
• Ideological conflict: Capitalism vs Communism
• Power vacuum after WWII
• Arms race and nuclear competition
• Formation of opposing military alliances (NATO and Warsaw Pact)
Nature of Diplomacy During the Cold War
Diplomacy during this era was characterized by secrecy, containment policies, and
ideological competition. The superpowers engaged in intense diplomatic maneuvering to gain
influence in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Diplomacy was primarily bilateral, reflecting
the bipolar world order.
Examples of Cold War Diplomacy:
• Cuban Missile Crisis (1962): A prime example of crisis diplomacy where secret
negotiations between Kennedy and Khrushchev averted nuclear war.
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• Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT I & II): Diplomatic efforts to curb
nuclear proliferation.
• Helsinki Accords (1975): A diplomatic breakthrough for human rights and East-
West cooperation.
The presence of nuclear weapons introduced the concept of deterrence diplomacy, where
diplomatic actions were heavily influenced by the threat of mutually assured destruction.
3. Status of Diplomacy in the Post–Cold War Era
The Cold War ended with the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, leading to a unipolar
world dominated by the United States. This marked a significant transformation in
international diplomacy.
Effects on the World:
• Reduced ideological conflict
• emergence of the US as the sole superpower
• Rise in regional conflicts and ethnic wars
• Shift towards globalization
Changes in Diplomacy:
• Rise of multilateral diplomacy through platforms like the United Nations, WTO, and
regional organizations such as the EU and ASEAN.
• Expansion of diplomatic actors to include non-governmental organizations,
multinational corporations, and civil society.
• Economic diplomacy gained prominence, focusing on trade agreements, development
cooperation, and foreign investments.
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Examples:
• Formation of the World Trade Organization (1995): A platform for
economic diplomacy and dispute resolution.
• The Kyoto Protocol (1997): A multilateral diplomatic effort on climate
change.
Post-Cold War diplomacy emphasized human rights, democracy promotion, and cooperative
security. Soft power and public diplomacy also began to play larger roles.
4. Status of Diplomacy After 9/11
The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in global diplomacy. The
world shifted its focus towards security and counter-terrorism.
Changes in Diplomatic Practice:
• Rise of security focused diplomacy
• Strengthening of international alliances (e.g., NATO invoked Article 5 for the first
time)
• Creation of global counterterrorism coalitions
Examples:
• U.S. foreign policy under the Bush Doctrine emphasized preemptive strikes and
unilateralism.
• The War on Terror involved diplomatic efforts for coalition building in
Afghanistan and Iraq.
• Pakistan-US relations became strategically significant, with Pakistan supporting
U.S. operations while facing internal diplomatic challenges.
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The post 9/11 world also saw increased intelligence-sharing, stricter visa regimes, and the
expansion of digital diplomacy. New institutions and agreements were crafted to address
global terrorism.
5. Effects of War on Diplomatic Relations
Wars, both cold and hot, fundamentally reshape diplomatic relations. During wartime,
diplomacy often becomes coercive or is sidelined altogether. However, post war periods
typically witness a resurgence in diplomacy aimed at reconstruction and reconciliation.
Impacts During War:
• Suspension of diplomatic relations
• Emergence of backchannel diplomacy
• Increased role of military diplomacy
Long-Term Consequences:
• Redrawing of international boundaries (e.g., post-WWII Europe)
• Formation of new alliances and blocs
• Institutionalization of international diplomacy through entities like the UN
Modern Consequences:
• Continued distrust among former adversaries
• Rise of preventive diplomacy to avoid future conflicts
• Greater emphasis on humanitarian diplomacy
Conclusion
Diplomacy has evolved from traditional state to state negotiations to a multifaceted tool
involving a range of actors and methods. From the ideological rigidity of the Cold War to the
cooperative engagements of the post Cold War and the security driven agenda post 9/11,
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diplomacy remains central to global governance and conflict resolution. Understanding its
changing dynamics is crucial for anticipating and shaping the future of international relations.
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References
Nicolson, H. (1963). Diplomacy. Oxford University Press.
Kissinger, H. (1994). Diplomacy. Simon & Schuster.
Wright, Q. (1955). The Study of International Relations. Appleton-Century-Crofts.
Satow, E. (2009). Satow's Diplomatic Practice. Oxford University Press.
Nye, J. S. (2004). Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics. PublicAffairs.
United Nations. (2001–2020). Various Reports and Resolutions on Diplomacy and
Security. www.un.org
U.S. Department of State. (2002). The National Security Strategy of the United States
of America.
BBC Documentary. (2001). The War on Terror. BBC World Service.
Waltz, K. (1979). Theory of International Politics. McGraw-Hill.
Holsti, K. J. (1995). International Politics: A Framework for Analysis. Prentice Hall.
