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It is good timing for a discussion on the concept of the virtual embassy. After last year's excitement with the Internet, e-commerce, dot-com, etc., the pendulum has been moving in the other direction - towards a realistic, sometimes skeptical, assessment of the potentials of the Internet and IT.
Introduction - the term "virtual"
This will not be the first or the last time that terminology is used wrongly. A basic definition of "virtual" is something that is not real, that exists in cyberspace rather than in the material world. If we call an embassy virtual, it means that this embassy won't have physical premises. Yet there will be ambassadors. Computers cannot be diplomats. In a real embassy the ambassadors sit in the embassy. In a virtual embassy they will sit in the capital city of their own country and communicate with the other country via the Internet. What is "virtuality"? Sending a fax from a real embassy to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the receiving state is as virtual as sending an e-mail from a virtual embassy to the counterpart in the receiving state. The difference is not large. Let us explore the concept of virtual embassy in more details...
Is it technologically feasible to create a virtual
embassy?
The answer is YES. Most problems related to the security of communication, authentification, exchange of documents, etc., can be resolved.
Should we create a virtual embassy?
Yes - if it is going to provide the same or even increased efficiency for less money. This goal is essential, especially for small countries with limited financial and human resources.
No - if we have a technology-driven approach (e.g. focusing on using the maximum technology regardless of whether it is practical or necessary).
Main diplomatic functions and the virtual embassy
Since there are many competing definitions of diplomacy the safest approach is to adopt the functions listed in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
- Representation
Although a website may be given official status, it is not likely that countries will replace their "bricks" missions with virtual ones.
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- Information Gathering
The Internet is a good tool for information gathering (newspapers, statistics, etc.). While much information can be found on the Internet the limit is the lack of broader context. This information lacks the "local flavour" that can be added only by people on the spot.
- Negotiation
Long and technical negotiations can be performed via the Internet. Virtual negotiations can be used for the activities of bilateral commissions as a tool for exchange between face-to-face meetings.
A few scenarios
for the virtual embassy
- Between two countries that have diplomatic relations
but no intensive cooperation:
Such diplomatic relations are usually maintained through the Permanent Missions in New York. Important question: Do we need a virtual embassy if the level of interaction is low? Is the level of interaction low because -
- there is no real need for more intensive ties (no economic, cultural, etc. interests); or
- there is a lack of infrastructure for interaction.
If the answer is b) then a virtual embassy may help. However, we must keep in mind that technology cannot solve non-technological problems - sometimes it even makes them worse or more visible.
- In the case of non-resident ambassadors (roving ambassador, Scandinavian model):
In this case a virtual embassy could be used to cover diplomatic relations between the visits of non-resident ambassadors.
What a virtual embassy is not
A virtual embassy is not the website of a diplomatic mission. Currently there are close to 2000 diplomatic mission websites. Most of them provide information on mission activities (working hours, consular info), countries they represent (basic info, foreign policy, etc.), etc. These websites rarely promote any real diplomatic exchange (interactivity).
Jovan Kurbalija
Malta, 4 April 2001
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