E-Diplomacy the Challenge for Ministries of Foreign Affairs
The evolution of diplomatic activities has always been influenced by advancements in knowledge and information management tools, from the telegraph to modern ICT. While each innovation initially sparked concerns about the end of diplomacy, history has shown that diplomacy adapts and evolves. The key challenge now is to assess how ICT impacts the functioning of foreign ministries and the broader diplomatic landscape.
Innovations in Diplomatic Training
Foreign ministries must constantly adapt to the evolving global landscape, where economic shifts, non-state actors, and transnational issues reshape diplomacy. The rise of the Internet and advanced communication technologies has transformed information access and policymaking. Governments face the challenge of managing increasing workloads with limited resources, requiring strategic adjustments to remain effective.
Through the diplomatic looking glass
Publications, TimelineIn August 2007, Diplo collaborated with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to publish "Through the Diplomatic Looking Glass" by Stefano Baldi and Pasquale Baldocci. This study is part of Diplo's collection "Diplomats as writers," analyzing books by Italian diplomats. Over 750 titles are examined, showcasing diplomats' diverse interests and talents for depicting situations and characters.
Book on Roma Diplomacy published
Publications, TimelineThe book "Roma Diplomacy" was published by Diplo in June 2007 and is a compilation of papers from the 2005-2006 Roma Diplomacy project. It includes contributions from European civil servants, academics, and Roma rights activists focusing on promoting awareness of Roma issues.
Book on Asian Diplomacy
Publications, TimelineA book on Asian Diplomacy by Amb. Kishan S Rana, based on extensive research, provides in-depth analysis of the foreign ministries of China, India, Japan, Singapore, and Thailand. It offers unique perspectives and explores the cultural aspects of the diplomatic process.
MFAs and the Rising Challenge of Consular Affairs: Cinderella in the Limelight
Once seen as a second-class task, consular affairs are increasingly recognized as a core responsibility of foreign ministries. Global travel, terrorism, and natural disasters have raised the stakes, pushing ministries to prioritize citizen services abroad. Despite this shift at the top, many diplomats still view consular work as separate from 'real' diplomacy.
Crossing the executive digital divide
Publications, TimelineThe DiploHandbook "Crossing the Executive Digital Divide" by Eduardo Gelbstein, released in June 2006, addresses key topics for decision-makers in the Information Age, guiding executives on successful participation and achieving sustainable outcomes.
Challenges for foreign ministries
Publications, TimelineForeign ministries faced challenges discussed at a Diplo conference in Geneva in 2006. Topics included reforming diplomatic processes, transformational diplomacy, managing diplomatic knowledge, and performance management. Various countries and experts participated in the event.
Multistakeholder diplomacy: Challenges and opportunities
Publications, TimelineThe book "Multistakeholder Diplomacy – Challenges and Opportunities" explores the multistakeholder model's characteristics and mechanisms, as well as its relevance to modern diplomacy, international negotiations, the information society's development, and Internet governance.
Internet governance DVD
Publications, TimelineA self-learning package on Internet governance developed by Diplo and Asia Pacific Development Information Programme, focusing on development-oriented Internet governance and specific Asia-Pacific topics, was created as part of the Internet Governance course.
