Dzulfikar Yusuf Luthfi/ I022116004

Modes OF Diplomacy

Based on the title of the journal it is explaining about the modes of diplomacy. They are
four sub topics in this paper. Firstly, is about bilateral diplomacy, secondly is about the multilateral
diplomacy, the third one is about summitry and the last one is about mediation.

Bilateral Diplomacy

Bilateral diplomacy is conduct of relation which happen between state to state or two states.
Bilateral diplomacy was influence by France system of diplomacy and the Vienna convention1.
France system could influence the bilateral diplomacy because of France on its evolution and the
gradual replacement of Latin by French as its working language. France system diplomacy was
identic with secret agenda, secret negotiation and secret of agreement. Then France system was
the mark of the system that began to emerge that ad hoc envoys were replaced by permanent or
resident embassies with broad responsibility.

Then the Vienna convention was happening on 19612. In convention Vienna, diplomatic
agents would remain immune from the criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state, and from its
civil and administrative jurisdiction as well except in some matters where they are involved in an
entirely private capacity. The representation or embassy had duties, he had to promoting friendly
relations, negotiations, lobbying, clarifying intentions, information gathering, policy advice,
consular services, commercial diplomacy and propaganda.

Multilateral Diplomacy

Multilateral diplomacy is the role of the resident ambassador was substantially modified in
the course of the twentieth century, this is at least in part because of the explosion in the number
of conferences attended by three or more states3. It blossomed after the Second World War with
the great expansion in the number of states. The major Western powers became tired of paying for
programmers to which they took strong political objection, and gradually, under the name of
“consensus decision making”. Even multilateral spectaculars are still staged, and as an important

1
G. R Berridge, “Diplomacy; Theory and Practice”, International Journal, Second edition, University of Lekester,
page 105
2
Ibid page 112
3
Sir C Webster, “The Art and Practice of Diplomacy”, Chatto & Windus, London, 1961, Chapter 4, page 152
Dzulfikar Yusuf Luthfi/ I022116004

mode of diplomacy multilateralism is here to stay. It has weathered its crisis, and it has emerged a
little leaner. It has also emerged a little more diplomatic.

Summitry

Summitry is often a special case of multilateral diplomacy, it is hardly surprising that the
history of its development should have followed similar lines, and for similar reasons 4. Summitry
may sometimes be highly damaging to diplomacy and is always risky. It may serve only foreign
or domestic propaganda purposes. Judiciously employed and carefully prepared, it can and does
serve diplomatic purposes as well. The pattern of summitry has changed in the past and may be
change again. Even, there seems little reason to believe that it will go into a general decline as a
mode of communication between states as it did with the rise of the resident ambassador at the end
of the middle ages.

Mediation

Mediation is a special kind of negotiation designed to promote the settlement of a conflict.

In this negotiation a distinctive role is played by a third party and that is not directly involved in
the dispute in question. The third party must have a special characteristic in addition to an
inclination to behave in a special way. Mediators come in all shapes and sizes, as well as singly
and in groups. All mediators should be perceiving as impartial once the mediation in progress.
Mediation is often needed and often accepted, but it is often refused as well, and if accepted,
sometimes discarded. The lure of direct talks, even at a high political price is usually strong.

Summary

The different thing between bilateral and multilateral diplomacy is about the member of
the negotiation or diplomacy. Bilateral diplomacy consists of two states beside the multilateral
diplomacy consist of three or more states. Then summitry is often a special case in multilateral
diplomacy. And mediation is a special kind of negotiation designed to promote the settlement of a

4
Plishcke, “Summit Diplomacy; Personal Diplomacy of the United States Presidents”, Greenwood Press, New York,
1974, PAGE 2
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conflict. Bilateral, multilateral, summary and mediation is the important thing of diplomacy.
Because it could keep of peace in the world and they are still using till nowadays.

References:

Berridge, G. R,. “Diplomacy; Theory and Practice”, International Journal, Second edition,
University of Lekester
Plishcke, “Summit Diplomacy; Personal Diplomacy of the United States Presidents”,
Greenwood Press, New York, 1974
Webster,Sir C,. “The Art and Practice of Diplomacy”, Chatto & Windus, London, 1961, Chapter
4