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.