lighting, Diplomacy

WebDebate: Is the diplomatic service still needed?

05 April 2016 -

Online

The era of connectivity brings about many challenges for diplomacy. How relevant is the diplomatic service? What changes can we expect to see in diplomatic training? Although diplomacy is still robust, some changes may be required. On 5 April, Ambassador Kishan S. Rana and Dr Jovan Kurbalija, from DiploFoundation, will address this issue, marshalling the main arguments for and against the future of diplomacy. 

[Update] Read the follow up blog post from the event

The end of diplomacy has been pronounced many times in history. In 1850, when Lord Palmerston received the first telegraph, he exclaimed: ‘My god, this is the end of diplomacy!’ Diplomacy survived not only invention of telegraph but also the telephone and radio eras.

Although diplomacy is still robust, some changes may be required. A new study by the Lowy Institute indicates that in some areas the relevance of embassies has diminished, as does this article published in Foreign Affairs. On 5 April, Ambassador Kishan S. Rana and Dr Jovan Kurbalija, from DiploFoundation, will address this issue, marshalling the main arguments for and against in a discussion on the future of diplomacy. 

Join us on Tuesday, 5th April, at 11:00 UTC/GMT. Registrations are now closed.

The WebDebates on the future of diplomacy are organised by DiploFoundation within the framework of the International Forum on Diplomatic Training (IFDT), which gathers close to 100 diplomatic training institutions worldwide. Learn more about our series of WebDebates.

For background readings, consult: