BILATERAL DIPLOMACY

INTRODUCTION

Bilateral diplomatic work is a core function of foreign ministries and diplomatic missions, since each relationship with a foreign country is unique. It is also the basis of regional and multilateral diplomacy. It is thus a vital building block in the complete structure of external relationships. The techniques of bilateral diplomacy are narrated and analysed in this module. 
The resident embassy, viewed as an endangered species about to be overtaken by instant communications, direct communications between MFAs, and the foreign travels of heads of state and foreign ministers, has added major new responsibilities. It has become the co-manager of bilateral relations, with the potential to use instant communications, its network of local links and knowledge on the ground in order to provide input for policy formulation. This empowers the mission to act as a unique databank on the foreign country, in a new headquarters-mission partnership. It has the means to generate interconnections between different issues for linkages and leverages. It has thus emerged as the best information resource on the near-totality of relations with the country of assignment, at a time when each agency of government has its own external links, mostly outside the knowledge of the MFA. 
The module on bilateral diplomacy addresses the principal arenas of diplomacy and the tools and techniques that can be used in an innovative way for relationship building.

Code: BD1A  |  Number of sessions: 1

The "realist" and "liberal" theories of international diplomatic relations describe inadequately the complexity of bilateral relations in the real world - the core function of diplomacy. Starting from a critical review of the theories, the criteria for assessing profiles of countries (e.g. "character" as measured through styles that range from assertive to reactive, and "focus" that may vary between global and regional concerns; other criteria available) are presented during this session. Since the definition of diplomatic work as set out in the 1961 Vienna Convention, actual tasks and priorities of diplomatic activities have changed significantly. A five-fold new definition is offered, in which the key tasks are "outreach" and "promotion". Typically, the headquarters-mission interplay involves a dynamic that offers potential for improved diplomacy performance, via the concepts and tools of "relationship-management". 

Code: BD1B  |  Number of sessions: 1

A short description of the concepts that underlie bilateral relations is provided, followed by an analysis of the methodologies available for building and enriching these relations. Practical methods available to a diplomatic mission are described, aimed at the "cultivation" of target groups ranging from official agencies to non-state stakeholders. Issues of complexity management that challenge the ministry of foreign affairs are particularly highlighted. In an age when diplomacy is no longer monopolised by the MFA, the distinction between foreign and domestic affairs is increasingly blurred.

Code: BD2  |  Number of sessions: 1

Code: BD3  |  Number of sessions: 1

Fostering the mutual understanding of the countries' culture, defined both in broad and narrow terms, is a major facet of diplomatic work. Similarly, relations with the media of the host country have grown in importance, and are intimately related to the image of one's country there. Education also offers fundamental ways for generating contacts with people in foreign countries. Science and technology cooperation with external partners is a multiplier for one's own development programs, and offers a basis for stronger technology and FDI. Practical methods that are available in diplomacy for each of these sectors are examined. "Public diplomacy", as variously defined, is examined in its current impact on bilateral work.

Code: BD4A  |  Number of sessions: 1

In the work of bilateral diplomacy, what are the functions of MFA officials at various levels? The actual work performed by desk officers is examined in detail. Attention is also devoted to the work of middle and senior management, with practical examples of some leading countries and the relevance of these experiences. Qualities vital for optimal performance at the ministry are studied, together with aspects relevant to good career management.

Code: BD4B  |  Number of sessions: 1

The functions of different officials in the bilateral embassy are examined, with particular focus on the first secretary (who, together with the junior diplomats can be seen as the foot-soldier of the mission), and the ambassador, as well as the special tasks of the deputy chief of mission. The personal characteristics that contribute to good performance are analysed, with particular focus on ways in which the young official can optimise performance.

Code: BD5  |  Number of sessions: 1

Reporting to headquarters about developments in the host country remains the life-blood of the diplomatic process. The basic elements of good reporting are presented, as are the main characteristics of high quality periodic reports, special dispatches and cipher messages, notexcluding the basic notes and websites. The main elements relevant to work in this sector in missions and at headquarters are examined. The building of institutional memories and the impact of the Internet are also studied.

Code: BD6  |  Number of sessions: 1

The joint commission is a classic instrument of bilateral diplomacy, and it is studied in terms of the structure and methods that contribute to its optimal usage. Countries enjoying especially close ties also use other exceptional mechanisms, like regular summit level encounters, or inter-ministerial groups. Recent years have seen the emergence of innovative "Eminent Person" groups, which offerthe special merit of bringing into the process other stakeholders from other wakes of civil society. Also important are the "Track II" private groups that are expressions of citizen diplomacy. The impact and the ways to maximize the utility of each of these are studied.

Code: BD7  |  Number of sessions: 1

"Inspections" of diplomatic missions have been a staple tool to evaluate diplomatic performance. The introduction and application of techniques borrowed from management science are now supplementing this. These techniques range from formal systems of "Ambassador's Instructions", to annual targets for missions, and are increasingly tied in with budget utilization flexibility for missions as well as other special methods. The practical experience of the countries that are the innovators is studied in order to identify success factors and best practices.

Code: BD8  |  Number of sessions: 1

The evolving context of diplomacy includes the ways in which the member countries of the European Union are implementing its "Common Foreign and Security Policy". What are the tasks ahead for the resident mission? Optimally, it has become the co-manager of bilateral relations, and a major contributor to policy formulation, taking full advantage of Internet-based communications. Other trends that cast long shadows are issues ranging from the erosion of sovereignty (presenting special challenge to developing nations), tensions between bilateral diplomacy and multilateral-regional diplomacy, public accountability and relationships with non-state actors, at home and abroad.